Introduction
Faith is essential to the Christian life and to effective prayer. Scripture teaches that faith pleases God, overcomes the world, and enables believers to pray with confidence. This study explores what faith is, why it matters, and how to pray in faith according to God’s Word.
1. What Is Faith?
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
The Meaning of Faith
The Greek word for faith is pistis (G4102).
Faith means:
- Persuasion
- Conviction
- Confidence
- Assurance
- Reliance upon God and His promises
Faith Is the Substance of Things Hoped For
The word substance carries the idea of:
- Assurance
- Guarantee
- Foundation
- Certainty
Faith provides a firm foundation beneath our hope. It gives confidence that what God has promised will come to pass.
Faith Is the Evidence of Things Not Seen
The word evidence means:
- Proof
- Conviction
- Demonstration
Faith itself becomes the assurance that the promises of God, though not yet visible, will be fulfilled in His time.
2. Faith Pleases God
Hebrews 11:6
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
This verse teaches two important truths:
- We must believe that God exists.
- We must believe that God responds to those who seek Him.
God Is a Rewarder
Rewarder (G3406 – misthapodotēs)
- One who recompenses
- One who rewards
- A remunerator
God delights in rewarding those who trust Him and pursue Him.
Seeking God Diligently
Diligently Seek (G1567 – ekzēteō)
Means:
- To seek out carefully
- To search earnestly
- To inquire after
- To pursue with desire and persistence
Faith motivates us to continue seeking God even when answers are not immediate.
Additional Scriptures
Romans 14:23
“For whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”
1 John 5:4
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”
Faith is the believer’s victory over the world.
3. Asking in Faith
James 1:6-8
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering…”
When we pray, we are instructed to:
- Ask in faith
- Trust God’s ability
- Refuse to waver in unbelief
What Does It Mean to Waver?
Wavering is:
- Uncertainty about whether God can act
- Lack of confidence in His power
- Doubting His promises
- Distrusting His character
A person who constantly shifts between faith and doubt becomes unstable in their spiritual walk.
Asking in Faith Means
- Believing God is able
- Trusting His Word
- Resting in His faithfulness
- Remaining confident while waiting
4. Receiving by Faith
Mark 11:22-24
“Have faith in God… What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”
Jesus taught that faith not only asks, but also receives.
Believe
Believe (G4100 – pisteuō)
Means:
- To trust
- To place confidence in
- To have faith in
- To commit oneself to
Faith involves entrusting our needs and concerns completely to God.
Receive
Receive (G2983 – lambanō)
Means:
- To take hold of
- To accept
- To obtain
When praying, believers should trust that God hears and is working according to His promises.
5. Praying the Prayer of Faith
James 5:15
“And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up…”
The prayer of faith is rooted in confidence in God’s Word and character.
Steps for Praying in Faith
1. Learn God’s Promise
Find what God’s Word says regarding your situation.
2. Become Fully Convinced
Allow God’s truth to move from head knowledge to heart conviction.
3. Speak God’s Word
Confess His promises over your circumstance.
4. Refuse Doubt
When thoughts of unbelief arise:
- Repeat God’s promise
- Thank Him for His faithfulness
- Stand on His Word
5. Continue Standing
Remain steadfast until God’s answer is manifested.
Standing Firm in Faith
1 Corinthians 16:13
“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”
Faith is not merely believing once. Faith continues trusting God even while waiting.
Example: Daniel’s Persistence
Read Daniel 10:1-13.
Daniel prayed, and God heard him from the very first day. Yet the answer was delayed. Daniel continued seeking God faithfully until the answer arrived.
This passage reminds us that delayed answers are not always denied answers.
Conclusion
Biblical faith is confidence in God’s character, His promises, and His ability to accomplish what He has spoken. Faith pleases God, overcomes the world, strengthens prayer, and enables believers to stand firm during seasons of waiting.
When we learn God’s promises, pray according to His Word, reject doubt, and continue trusting Him, we can pray with confidence, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His purposes.
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