PRAYER & FAITH
- Rebecca Montrone
- 7 days ago
- 10 min read
Do you ever wonder or think somewhere along these lines:
"I'm praying, but I'm not sure I have enough faith. What if my prayers 'aren't working' because I just don't have enough faith?"
Then, do you try to muster up a fierce bravado and say key phrases to God to convince Him your level of faith is equal to the level of the petition you are putting before Him? 🙃😉
We know from what we read over and over in the Bible that God wants us to have faith - or ultimate confidence - in Him. Confidence not only in His ability or power to answer our prayers but in His very willingness to answer those prayers.
Having "faith to move mountains" can be a thought that makes us squirm, because we often sense that we just don't. In fact, reading a passage such as this one can be very intimidating:
Matthew 17:20 (KJV)
“And Jesus said unto them, 'Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.'”
It doesn't help that the prosperity-gospel/health 'n wealth types, ever expecting a miracle and a thrill, convey a concern - when you don't receive your miracle - that if you only had enough faith, you would! "Tsk, tsk..."
With all of that said, I just have to admit that walking with God day after day year after year has worked cumulatively to increase my faith - my unshakeable confidence - in God throughout my life thus far!
This makes it very difficult for me to be discouraged, and don't you know that's just what the devil hates? The arch-enemy of Jesus Christ doesn't want us to know how wonderful He is - how trustworthy and magnificent - so he and his cohorts will connive to do everything to keep us from stepping out in faith or to hinder us from those activities and pursuits that increase our faith.
It is possible to be a Christian and be miserable. This is why we must dig into the Word of God continually and apply its counsel and principles to life as we encounter it on a daily basis. And this is why we must maintain close ongoing communion with God through prayer and worship. If we don't, we are neglecting the very tools God has placed in our toolkit to live with purpose, confidence, joy, and victory no matter what. The enemy thrives on convincing us to believe lies; again, the only way to know the lie is to be intimately and firmly acquainted with the truth. As Jesus Himself said:
"The truth will set you free." - John 8:32
Before we go any further, let's ask ole' Miriam to tell us what, exactly, we're talking about:
Webster’s Dictionary – “Faith”
Faith (noun)
Belief, trust, and confidence in God
Belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of something without requiring proof
Firm belief in something for which there is no proof
Fidelity; loyalty
(From Webster’s New World / American Dictionary tradition)
But Faith Is Not Wishful Thinking - or a Blind Leap
It is important to clarify what Scripture means by faith—and what it does not mean. Biblical faith is not wishful thinking, nor is it a blind leap into the dark.
This point was emphasized powerfully by the late Francis Schaeffer, a Christian philosopher and apologist who spent much of his life addressing the false divide between faith and reason. Schaeffer rejected the idea that belief in God requires abandoning rational thought. On the contrary, he argued that Christianity makes real, testable truth claims about reality.
In The God Who Is There (one of my favorite books of all time and one I have gifted to many over the years), Schaeffer explains that the reason life works best when lived according to God’s design is not arbitrary—it is because God Himself established the design in the first place. His way is not “right” because it is imposed by force, but because it corresponds to reality as it truly is. In Schaeffer’s view, faith is not belief in spite of the evidence, but belief because the evidence consistently lines up.
Scripture itself affirms this again and again. God does not ask His people to suspend reason - that's not what is meant by "faith."
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD.”— Isaiah 1:18
Even biblical prophecy is presented as evidence—given so that we might know.
“I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.”— John 14:29
Jesus on the Road to Emmaus: Faith Grounded in the Word
One of the clearest demonstrations that faith is not baseless comes from Jesus Himself after His resurrection.
On the road to Emmaus, the risen Christ walks alongside two disciples who are confused and grieving. Notably, Jesus does not immediately reveal His identity, which He could have easily done physically - I mean, they knew Him; they were His human companions. He doesn't say, “Guys - it’s Me—look closer!” Instead, He does something far more instructive – giving them solid reasons to believe:
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.”— Luke 24:27
Jesus patiently walked them back through the Word, showing that His suffering, death, and resurrection were not unexpected detours, but the fulfillment of what God had already revealed.
Only later—after the Word had done its work—were their eyes opened to recognize Him:
“Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures?”— Luke 24:32
Faith is Reasoned Trust
Biblical faith, then, is not irrational or baseless. It is a reasoned, relational trust in a God who has made Himself known—through His Word, through history, through fulfilled prophecy, through His faithfulness over time, and supremely through Jesus Christ.
Having faith is not like "wishing" something is true. Faith in God and in His Word is not a blind leap of faith. When you think about it, NOT believing is a blind leap of faith; a leap that blindly ignores the compelling evidence for the truth of Jesus Christ.
Our Faith Rests on the Faithfulness of God
Before Scripture ever presses us to have faith, it reveals a faithful God.
“It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.”— Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV)
“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”— 1 Corinthians 1:9 (KJV)
“Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.”— Psalm 36:5 (KJV)
“The LORD is faithful in all His words and gracious in all His works.” (Psalm 145:13)
“If we believe not, yet He abides faithful: He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13)
“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:5)
Our faith does not originate in our own resolve; it responds to God’s consistency. Faith grows as we come to more and more intimately know—not merely about—a God who keeps covenant, remembers His promises, and never abandons His people. Never. Repeat: NEVER.
“Know therefore that the LORD thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keeps covenant and mercy…” (Deuteronomy 7:9)
Examples of Faith Expressed—and Honored—in Scripture
Scripture repeatedly highlights faith as something exercised in approaching God, often amid limitation, fear, or desperation.
A Roman centurion appeals to Jesus’ authority alone:
“Speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.”(Matthew 8:8)
Jesus responds:
“Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” (Matthew 8:10)
A Gentile woman refuses to withdraw when rebuffed:
“Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” (Matthew 15:27)
Jesus answers:
“O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” (Matthew 15:28)
A woman suffering for twelve years presses through the crowd, believing that touching Jesus is enough:
“She said, 'If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole.'” (Mark 5:28)
Jesus affirms her:
“Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” (Mark 5:34)
Faith is not portrayed as perfection, but as direction—toward God.
Scripture Is Clear: Our Faith Gives Pleasure to God
Just think about how awesome it is that it is actually within our tiny power to bring Him - the Mighty Creator and Savior - pleasure and joy!
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
“The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him; in those who hope in his steadfast love.” - Psalm 147:11
Faith honors God because it acknowledges who He is. It comes to Him not as a negotiator and not as a beggar, but as a child.
PRAYING WITH FAITH
If prayer is communion with God, then faith is the posture with which we enter that communion. Scripture does not describe faith as emotional intensity or mental certainty, but as something grounded, substantive, and real. This is fantastic, because it means we don't have to wait until we're "in the mood" to pray.
Jesus said that those who worship God must worship Him in sincerity and truth. He didn't say anything about putting on a pretty smile, getting ourselves in a happy state of mind, or trying to flatter him with creative compliments. He is The Real Deal, and He loves communicating with us in real time in real truth. He isn't looking for us to try to impress Him with religious falderal, and we couldn't fool Him if we tried! When we come to God through faith in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of our sins, we are in the ultimate Safe Space and free to be ourselves without embarrassment, shame, or fear. What freedom!
How do we enjoy that freedom? Through faith!
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Faith concerns realities - real things that currently exist that are not immediately visible, yet are no less true! It is confidence rooted not in circumstances, but in the character of God. And when we draw near or remain close to Him through ongoing open communication and allowing His Word to transform our thoughts and actions by staying in the Word daily, then the Holy Spirit builds our faith - faith upon faith upon faith - and we become more and more spiritually invincible!
FAITH BUILDERS
Faith Is Built by the Word of God
Again, if we are not familiar with what God has to say, we won't have all of that truth to fall back on in the face of doubt.
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” (Psalm 119:11)
“Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
We cannot trust promises we do not know. Scripture supplies the raw material, and the Holy Spirit uses it to anchor us when fear strikes.
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” — Ephesians 6:17
Faith Is Deepened Through Trial
We live our lives as fallen creatures in a fallen creation. Trials, tribulations - problems - are a part of life while we remain on this earth. Of that there can be no doubt. However, the Bible assures us of the role of hardship in increasing our faith in God. That seems ironic, but because of God's presence and power in our trials, they serve to prove His faithfulness and His worthiness of faith over and over again.
“The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes…” (1 Peter 1:7)
“We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.” (Romans 5:3–4)
Faith Does Not Eliminate Distress
Scripture is clear here, as well: faith does not mean the absence of struggle.
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.” (2 Corinthians 4:8)
“Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
One desperate father prayed:
“Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)
Faith Grows in Community
God has given us each other to encourage, support, laugh with, and love.
“Two are better than one… For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10)
“Exhort one another daily… lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13)
Shared testimony, prayer, and encouragement strengthen trust in God’s ongoing work.
Faith Leads to Rest
Faith ultimately produces peace—not because circumstances necessarily improve, but because trust deepens.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusts in Thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Faith is not spiritual leverage. It is relational confidence.
It is not something we muster up, fearfully measure, or strategically wield in order to persuade God to act, nor is it a currency we trade for answered prayer. Faith rests not in the strength of our belief, but in the faithfulness of the One in whom we believe. It comes to God not clenched in effort, but open-handed in trust. And that trust delights Him—not because it proves we are strong, but because it acknowledges that He is.
When we pray in faith, we are not trying to wave a wand to make something happen; we are leaning into the enormity of the most Wondrous Someone we know. Faith says,
“I trust You because You have shown Yourself trustworthy.”
And that—quiet, childlike, relational trust—is what faith is.
Michael Card, like Fernando Ortega, is one of my very favorite artists. His creativity in music is worthy in and of itself, but he is another passionate believer who is more interested in serving Christ than anything else. He loves the Lord with all his heart mind and soul, and his songs reflect a true and deep understanding of the Word of God. I love this song, and it is perfect for today's "topic!" Enjoy!
*Interested in knowing how to enter into a personal relationship with God through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ? Say a Salvation Prayer and Receive Jesus Christ Today.
Of course, the saying of a prayer is the reflection of a monumental and life-changing heart decision, but this is a good guide.
Comments