Praying in Faith vs. the Prayer of Faith

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. -1 John 5:14-15

Some people think the prayer of faith works for everything, even when they pray for healing for someone else. But there’s a difference between praying in faith and the prayer of faith.

All our prayers must be in faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” When we go to the Father in prayer, we must believe He hears and answers us when we pray in accordance with His will.

But the prayer of faith is what you pray for yourself in order to receive what legally belongs to you according to the will of God. In this prayer, you pray one time; then you believe you receive your answer. You don’t request that same petition again in prayer; instead, you thank and praise God for the answer.

But when you pray for someone else, James 5:16 AMP gives you the guidelines: “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available—dynamic in its working.” Your heartfelt prayers for others may have to continue for a time. Don’t give up—keep praying until you’ve seen God’s power produce results!

CONFESSION:

When I have a need, I pray to my Father once, believing I receive when I pray. When I pray for another’s needs, I continue to pray until I see the answer. My prayers make tremendous power available.

From: A Devotional for Divine Health Prescription for a Miracle, Mark Brazee, 1999