Pray in Faith

Mark 11:22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.
 
THIS follows Jesus’ curse on the fig tree. Jesus keeps pressing into his disciples, so they will understand God’s power is available to them. Soon they will be in places where only God’s power will save them. He has shown Peter, John and James his glory on the mountaintop. He has corrected John's and James’ misconception of kingdom glory. He has demonstrated his healing power the blind Bartimaeus’ restored sight. Jesus has cleansed his temple of sin. He has caused a fruitless fig tree to die. God’s power curses the unfaithful and blesses true believers.
   These events also represent the future. People will enter into God’s glory only as they believe Jesus’ teaching. If they have no faith, they will die in the curse of their unbelief, condemned to Hell. “Have faith in God.” is Jesus’ gracious teaching to direct you to a powerful life in line with his will. He teaches more in this next passage:   
 
Mark 11:23-25 “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
 
You are likely wondering, “When has anyone prayed, and a mountain moved into the sea? Surely there have been many people of great faith. Wouldn’t someone have tried that prayer to prove Jesus correct?” It would be such an amazing faith prayer: “Mountain, move!” But is that what Jesus is teaching here?
   The mountain represents God’s power and majesty in the Jews’ teachings. God has shown his awesome power as he gave the law to Israel at Mt. Sinai. Jerusalem is on a strong mountain. Mountains are also a place of refuge and protection.
   Jesus’ teaching, then, tells us prayer is a power tool to access God’s will. A faithful person’s prayer will bring God’s will into one’s life or the lives of those for whom the prayer is offered. 
   Then there’s one more thing Jesus teaches about prayer when he taught the “Lord’s Prayer”: Matthew 6:12 “Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors…14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
   Have faith he will move in his purpose to redeem the needs you bring before him. Then pray, “Lord, your will be done.”