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What Is The Prayer of Faith?
Interestingly, it is in the letter of James (who has so much to say about works) that the term occurs. It climaxes the marvelous teaching on prayer that punctuates the entire letter (see 1:5-8; 4:2-3; 5:13-18).
The Prayer of Faith is a bold, confident, and trusting communication with God where the one praying fully believes in God's power, goodness, and willingness to act. It is rooted in faith-faith in God's character, promises, and timing. It goes beyond hope or wishful thinking. It's a spiritual declaration: "I believe God is who He says He is and will do what He says He'll do-according to His will."
Biblical Foundation
James 5:14-15 (NKJV)
"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
This passage links faith-filled prayer with healing and forgiveness. The implication is not that our faith "forces" God's hand, but rather that it activates His will in situations where we humbly, confidently seek Him.
Components of the Prayer of Faith
1. Rooted in Relationship
You can't pray the prayer of faith without knowing God personally. It's not magic words or positive thinking-it's the overflow of a relationship with a loving, holy, and sovereign Father.
2. Confidence in God's Will
It doesn't mean we know exactly what God will do, but we trust He knows what's best. This kind of faith can say: "Even if God doesn't answer the way I hope, I will still trust Him."
Think of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:17-18. They believed God could deliver them from the fiery furnace but added, "But even if He does not." That's the heart of the prayer of faith.
3. Aligned with God's Word
Faith is not rooted in emotion-it's rooted in God's promises. The more you know Scripture, the more confidently you can pray in line with what God has revealed. For instance:
- When praying for healing, you stand on verses like Isaiah 53:5 or Psalm 103:3.
- When praying for provision, you stand on Matthew 6:33 or Philippians 4:19.
4. Expectation without Presumption
The prayer of faith expects God to move-but doesn't presume to control how He does it. It's like planting a seed: you believe something will grow, even if you don't know exactly when or how.
What the Prayer of Faith Looks Like
Here's an example of what this kind of prayer might sound like:
"Father, I come to You trusting in Your power and love. I lift this situation to You-believing You are able to heal, restore, and redeem. I know Your plans are higher than mine, so I submit to Your will. Strengthen my heart to believe. Even if the answer looks different than what I expect, I will still praise You. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Faith vs. Doubt
A prayer of faith is not a denial of reality-it's a defiant belief in the face of it. It acknowledges pain, sickness, or uncertainty-but chooses trust over fear.
"Faith is not the absence of doubt, but the decision to believe anyway."
When to Pray the Prayer of Faith
- When someone is sick or suffering.
- When facing impossible situations.
- When seeking guidance or breakthrough.
- When interceding for others.
- When you need to release control and trust God.
Final Thought
The prayer of faith is not about getting what you want-it's about trusting God will give what is best. When prayed with humility and confidence, it becomes a powerful force-one that not only brings answers, but transforms the person praying.
If you have a prayer request, just e-mail us your prayer request and and we'll be glad to include our intercessory prayer team.
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Prayer of Faith | 5801 South Anderson Road | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73150 | (405) 739-0458
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