“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22
In Christian theology, prayer and spirituality are foundational elements rooted in scripture. However, it is crucial to navigate these practices with clarity, as they are often misunderstood and misapplied, hindering one's maturity.
Many individuals may not fully grasp the transformative experience of being born again, leading to an approach to God that sometimes resembles treating him as a genie focused on personal desires rather than fostering genuine connection.
Addressing these misunderstandings, we can cultivate a deeper and more authentic relationship with our Triune God. An appropriate biblical text is Matthew 21:22: "...whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive if you have faith." While this passage offers valuable insight into prayer, it encourages us to reflect deeply on the nature of the faith it mentions.
Those who resonate with the opening remarks could explore what faith entails and how it is expressed daily. It's essential to recognize that biblically defined faith is not simply a mental ascent or a heightened emotional experience (although both will be a result).
Often, individuals might mistakenly believe that a stronger desire for God equates to more favor from God or involvement in the individual's lives. However, this perspective diverges from the core message of Jesus Christ.
Faith centers on loyalty to the ruling and present Jesus the Christ. Understanding faith as loyalty can be illuminating. It encompasses allegiance, commitment, dedication, devotion, and fidelity.
Rather than being defined by our believing, faith hinges on our connection to the king. This understanding can significantly enrich our equipping and maturity, thus helping us cultivate hope and purpose.
Maintaining such allegiance can be challenging amid the distractions of personal desires and ambitions. A deeper understanding is recognizing that our lives are not solely about personal fulfillment; they also involve serving a more increased purpose within God's kingdom. The Apostle Paul exemplifies this beautifully.
In Acts 28, he continues “preaching the kingdom" and teaching about Jesus, even while under house arrest from advancing the good news. His commitment illustrates the substance of living a life that prioritizes allegiance to the king and the mission of the kingdom over personal circumstances.
In summary, I encourage readers to reflect on their prayer practices. It's essential to consider whether our prayers are primarily self-focused or reflect a commitment to the broader mission of God's kingdom.
Embracing loyalty to God can help alleviate struggles with selfishness and foster spiritual growth. Ultimately, our faith can empower us to extend beyond personal gain and invite others to leave the world behind via repentance by acknowledging and serving our God and king in action.
This constructive exploration can lead to a more profound and fulfilling spirit-led life for ourselves and those around us.
Brady Roser is lead pastor at The Bridge Church in Carson City.