www.bible.com/1275/mrk.11.24.cjb
Really? Verses like this tend to be ripped from their contexts and made to say things not intended originally. I would love to rail against those that would do violence this text. But I can’t. In fact, when you go back into this context, Jesus tells the disciples that if they say to this mountain to be cast into the sea, it will be done. For all intents and purposes, this verse means exactly what it says.
So what does it mean to ask and you shall receive? Are there qualifiers for this? Obviously. Because this verse does not invalidate the other verses on prayer, like praying according to the will of God. What this verse places emphasis on, like James 1:5,6, is that prayer offered to God, our Father, ought to offered in faith. Why pray if you don’t believe it?
That’s what Jesus is after here. If you are going to pray, pray like you mean it. Pray like everything depends on prayer. Make prayer real because you believe in a real God and not some far off cloud. Jesus calls us to prayer for purpose, to draw you into His counsel.
Make prayer real today. Name those things that truly matter to you and claim them before God. Claim the reality of your faith before God. As Jesus once said, “your faith has made you well”, so your faith, your belief has much to do with your prayer life. Pray like you mean it.
God bless you in your prayer today.
Meritt Musings 