What is the Prayer of Faith?

Definition and Scope

The term “Prayer of Faith” emerges prominently in James 5:15: “And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.” The phrase refers to a heartfelt prayer spoken out of genuine trust in God’s promises. It involves full reliance on Him, believing He is both willing and able to act in accordance with His will.

This concept extends beyond asking for physical healing. It applies to any earnest request made in reliance upon God’s character and Word. The Prayer of Faith affirms that He is sovereign, caring, and perfect in all His ways.

Biblical Foundations

Faith in God’s power and mercy is consistently affirmed throughout Scripture. Hebrews 11:6 states, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

1 John 5:14–15 further clarifies God’s responsiveness: “And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.”

These passages collectively highlight that faith is not an abstract notion but a living conviction rooted in the reality of God’s perfect nature, leading believers to pray with confidence.

Distinguishing Features

1. Alignment with God’s Will

A central requirement of the Prayer of Faith is seeking alignment with God’s revealed Word and purposes. Many misunderstand it to mean granting any request ever uttered, yet Scripture repeatedly underscores that God answers prayer in accordance with His will (1 John 5:14).

2. Persistence

The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1–8) demonstrates that faithful prayer is often characterized by perseverance. It shows the believer’s confidence in God’s goodness, even if answers seem delayed.

3. Humility

True faith carries humility, recognizing that all power and wisdom belong to God alone. In James 4:6–10, believers are encouraged to “submit yourselves therefore to God…” The Prayer of Faith flows from a posture of dependence, never from arrogance or presumption toward God.

Examples in Scripture

1. Elijah’s Prayer for Rain

In 1 Kings 18:41–45, Elijah prays earnestly for rain after a prolonged drought. His prayer is marked by steadfast certainty in God’s promise, and indeed, the rain came. Later, James holds up Elijah’s example to illustrate powerful, faith-filled prayer (James 5:17–18).

2. Hezekiah’s Plea

When King Hezekiah was warned of impending death by the prophet Isaiah, he turned his face to the wall and prayed with sincerity (Isaiah 38:1–5). God extended his life, demonstrating that earnest faith, offered in a humble plea, moves God’s hand on behalf of His people.

3. Jesus’ Instruction

In Mark 11:22–24, Jesus encourages His disciples: “Have faith in God…whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” In context, this is not a blank check to fulfill every personal desire; it is a bold command to trust God wholeheartedly, even when circumstances seem impossible.

Common Misconceptions

1. Guaranteed Immediate Healing

While James 5:15 speaks of a prayer offered in faith bringing healing, Scripture never teaches that every single request will lead to an immediate or automatic outcome. God is wise and may allow trials for growth or for a greater purpose (2 Corinthians 12:7–10).

2. “Name It and Claim It” Promise

Prayer of Faith is sometimes mistaken for a guarantee of wealth, comfort, or minimal trouble. However, biblical examples show faithful individuals also facing hardships, always trusting that God’s ultimate plan is best (Hebrews 11:35–40).

Practical Application

1. Approach God with Confidence

Believers are invited to “draw near to the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). This confidence is not self-made but anchored in God’s unchanging promises and Christ’s intercession on our behalf.

2. Pray According to Scripture

Consuming and internalizing Scripture shapes one’s prayers. When a believer prays Scripture itself—clinging to the truths found within—this fosters faith aligned with what God has already revealed.

3. Involve Spiritual Community

James 5:14 instructs, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call the elders of the church to pray over him...” The practice of corporate prayer for the sick demonstrates unity and mutual confidence in God’s power.

4. Thankfulness and Expectation

Philippians 4:6 teaches, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Thanking God even before seeing the outcome expresses faith in His goodness.

Historical and Theological Insights

Throughout the centuries, documented accounts of believers experiencing healing and provision through fervent prayer have accumulated. Early church fathers wrote of miraculous interventions aligning with James’ instruction. Modern anecdotal evidence and mission field reports also suggest that genuine faith-filled prayer continues to result in remarkable healings and conversions.

In terms of theological study, historical manuscripts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, provide continuous witness to the integrity of the Scriptural texts that highlight prayer’s transformative power. Many archaeological findings corroborate the biblical narrative, revealing the historical reliability of those who practiced and experienced the Prayer of Faith. Recognizing these records undergirds the confidence believers place in Scripture, and by extension, in its teachings on faith-filled prayer.

Encouragement from Scripture

Repeatedly, God’s Word reminds believers that He is compassionate and desires to answer prayer. Psalm 145:18–19 says, “The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them.”

Such verses bolster the believer’s confidence, affirming that prayer—a genuine, faith-filled request—will never be ignored by the One who created human hearts and knows their needs.

Conclusion

The Prayer of Faith is characterized by unwavering trust in God’s power, promises, and goodness. It involves a genuine heart that seeks alignment with His will, persists in humble dependence, and remains confident that He hears and responds according to His perfect plan.

This kind of prayer is not merely a religious ritual. It is a dynamic relationship with the Creator who has revealed Himself in Scripture and demonstrated His love fully in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through faith, believers draw near to the God who delights in revealing His care, strengthening trust, and glorifying His name through answered prayer.