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Steps to Jesus
We also need faith when we pray. “No one can please God
without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God
exists and rewards those who seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
. Jesus said
to His disciples, “When you pray and ask for something, believe that
you have received it, and you will be given whatever you ask for.”
Mark 11:24
. Do we take Him at His word?
God is faithful in keeping His many promises. We may some-
times ask and not receive at once the things we ask for. But we
are still to believe that the Lord hears and that He will answer our
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prayers.
We cannot see the future, and sometimes we ask for things that
would not be a blessing. Our heavenly Father in love answers our
prayers by giving us what is best for us. He gives us what we would
ask for if we could see all things as they really are.
We are to hold to God’s promises even when it seems that our
prayers are not answered. At the right time we will receive the
blessing we need most. But we cannot demand that a prayer will be
answered in just the way we desire. God does not make mistakes.
He is so good that He will not keep from us anything that would
help us. Do not be afraid to trust Him, even though you may not see
an answer at once. Believe His promise, “Ask, and you will receive.”
Matthew 7:7
.
If we think about our doubts and fears, they will grow greater.
We need to come to God in faith, feeling helpless, as we really are.
We must with humble, trusting faith tell Him what we want, even
though He knows all things. He sees everything in creation and
keeps it all going. He can and will hear our prayer and let light shine
into our hearts.
Through sincere prayer we are brought close to the mind of God.
We may have no real proof that He is near, but our Redeemer is
bending over us in love and sympathy. We may not feel His touch,
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but His hand is upon us in love and tender pity.
We must have love and forgiveness in our own hearts when we
come to God asking for mercy and blessings. We pray, “Forgive us
the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have
done to us.”
Matthew 6:12
. How can we pray this if we have an
unforgiving spirit? We must forgive others if we expect our prayers
to be heard. We will be forgiven as we forgive.