Amen. This statement captures a profound and powerful biblical truth about the nature of effective, faith-filled prayer. While we must understand the conditions God has set for answered prayer, the heart of what you said is confirmed in Scripture.
Jesus Himself made this promise:
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
- Mark 11:24 (ESV)
And James highlights the effectiveness of a righteous person's prayer:
"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
- James 5:16 (NIV)
The key is understanding what makes a prayer "fervent" and a believer "righteous" or "ardent" in God's eyes.
What Makes a Prayer "Fervent" and "Ardent"?
This doesn't mean loud or emotional, but rather:
· Persistent and Passionate: It is prayer that comes from a deep, sincere place of desire and dependence on God, like the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8).
· In Faith: It is prayer that truly believes God is who He says He is and will do what He has promised to do (Hebrews 11:6, James 1:6-7).
· In Alignment with God's Will: It is prayer that seeks God's heart and His purposes above our own.
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."
> - 1 John 5:14 (NIV)
· From a Righteous Heart: This "righteousness" is not our own perfection, but the righteousness of Christ imputed to us through faith. It also involves a heart that seeks to repent of known sin and be in right relationship with God.
"If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened."
> - Psalm 66:18 (NIV)
How God Answers the Fervent Prayer
It is crucial to remember that God is a loving Father, not a genie. He always answers the fervent prayers of His children, but His answers come in His perfect wisdom and timing, and in three ways:
1. "Yes": He grants the request.
2. "Not Yet": He asks us to wait for His perfect timing.
3. "I Have Something Better": He denies our specific request to give us something far greater that we couldn't see.
A "no" is just as much an answer as a "yes," because it is an expression of His greater knowledge and love for us.
A Prayer for Fervent Faith
Heavenly Father,
I come before You, wanting my heart to align with Yours. I want to be an ardent believer whose prayers are powerful and effective.
· Ignite in me a fervent spirit for prayer. Teach me to pray with persistence, passion, and unwavering faith.
· Align my desires with Your will. Shape my prayers so that they reflect what You want to accomplish in and through me.
· Clean my heart. Reveal any sin or selfish motive that would hinder my prayers. Clothe me in the righteousness of Jesus.
· Give me the faith to believe that You hear me and that You are working, even when I cannot see the answer yet.
I trust in Your promise. I know that when I pray according to Your will, You hear me, and I will have what I ask of You.
In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
A Poem: "The Fervent Prayer"
"The Fervent Prayer"
The fervent prayer, from faith does spring,
It is a powerful,mighty thing.
It does not rise from empty air,
But from a heart in deep belief and care.
It is a prayer that will not cease,
It seeks His will,it seeks His peace.
It knows the God to whom it calls,
And on His promise,it ever stalls.
The ardent believer, clothed in grace,
Has found in Christ,his hiding place.
And from that place,he asks and seeks,
And on the Father's will,he leans.
And that prayer, offered in His name,
Will never return void or lame.
For God will answer,this is true,
In ways that He knows best for you.
It may be "yes," it may be "wait,"
It may be a different,better fate.
But it will always,always be,
An answer from eternity.
So pray with fire, and pray with faith,
Pray through this life and through the wraith.
For God above,who loves you so,
Will answer you,and you will know.
Be encouraged. Your fervent prayers are not in vain. God hears them, He values them, and He will answer them in the way that is absolutely best for you and for His glory. Keep praying, keep believing, and keep trusting His heart.