Topical Encyclopedia
In the Christian faith, prayer is a vital means of communication with God, and believers are encouraged to approach God with confidence and faith. However, Scripture indicates that answers to prayer may be denied to those who waver in their faith. This entry explores the biblical basis for this principle, emphasizing the importance of unwavering faith in the life of a believer.
Biblical FoundationThe concept that wavering faith can hinder answers to prayer is rooted in several passages of Scripture. A key text is found in the Epistle of James, which addresses the necessity of faith when seeking wisdom from God.
James 1:5-8 states:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
This passage highlights the importance of asking in faith, without doubting. The imagery of a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind, vividly illustrates the instability and lack of direction that characterizes a doubting heart. Such a person is described as "double-minded," indicating a divided loyalty or inconsistency in belief, which ultimately hinders the reception of God's blessings.
The Nature of FaithFaith, as described in the Bible, is a firm trust and confidence in God and His promises.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance and certainty are essential when approaching God in prayer. The believer is called to trust in God's character, His faithfulness, and His ability to fulfill His promises.
The Gospel of Mark provides an example of the power of faith in prayer. In
Mark 11:22-24 , Jesus teaches His disciples:
"Have faith in God," Jesus said to them. "Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
Here, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of believing without doubt. The metaphor of moving a mountain underscores the potential of faith-filled prayer to accomplish what seems impossible. The condition is clear: the absence of doubt is crucial for the fulfillment of prayer requests.
The Consequences of WaveringWavering, or doubting, in prayer can have significant spiritual consequences. It reflects a lack of trust in God's power and goodness, which can lead to spiritual instability. The double-minded person, as described in James, is not only unstable in prayer but in all aspects of life. This instability can hinder spiritual growth and the ability to discern God's will.
Furthermore, wavering can be seen as a form of unbelief, which is contrary to the nature of a relationship with God.
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." Faith is foundational to pleasing God and receiving His rewards, including answers to prayer.
Encouragement to BelieversBelievers are encouraged to cultivate a steadfast faith, rooted in the knowledge of God's character and promises. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, exhorts believers to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" (
Ephesians 6:10). This strength is derived from a deep, unwavering trust in God.
In times of doubt, believers are encouraged to seek God's help in strengthening their faith. The father of the demon-possessed boy in
Mark 9:24 provides a model of humility and dependence on God: "I do believe; help my unbelief!" This prayer acknowledges human weakness and invites God's intervention to bolster faith.
Ultimately, the believer's confidence in prayer is anchored in the faithfulness of God, who is "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us" (
Ephesians 3:20). By approaching God with unwavering faith, believers align themselves with His purposes and open the door to His abundant blessings.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
James 1:6,7But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... When the Arians, who denied the divinity of Christ ... up so many prayers without receiving
answers?" The apostle ... blessings so largely promised in answer to prayer. ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm
The Prayer of Faith.
... Why, that God will grant answers to prayer when it is ... man, but he had erroneous views
respecting the prayer of faith ... soul as if he would not be denied, till at ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture v the prayer of.htm
Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... Answers. ... the circumstance, that even the wishes of unbelievers are not denied; and,
secondly ... to stimulate his true worshippers to more urgent prayer, when they ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm
Sanctification
... deny it now, seeing that He has denied it in ... God to create?" To this he answers,
"No new ... other spiritual exercises"fasting, watching and prayer"direct them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/eckhart/meister eckharts sermons/vi sanctification.htm
The Means of Grace
... Believe, and thou shalt be saved!" he answers, "True; but ... When we say, "Prayer is
a means of grace," we ... we have waited for thee?'" All this cannot be denied. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 16 the means of.htm
Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
... or may ever be expected to do it, and answers in the ... to us, and is always attainable
by prayer; and closes ... that was acquitted, but the man who denied the heresy ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iii augustins part in the.htm
The General Conference of 1804, and of the Annual Conferences of ...
... the preachers, as well as the questions and answers, were printed ... made it a point
to propose prayer in every ... or dinner, and seldom was he denied this privilege ...
/.../chapter 6 the general conference.htm
Bunsen's Biblical Researches.
... Its horizon answers to that of Jerusalem already threatened ... probable, is to be much
longer denied us, the ... rigidity which excludes the breath of prayer from our ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/bunsens biblical researches.htm
Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... of Laodicea, [772]206; his followers denied that our ... works by unworthy ministers,
[1598]371; prayer for, in ... at deaths suitable to, [1639]349; answers to, about ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm
Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles.
... King Edward's second Prayer-book of the prayer of oblation ... point immediately at issue
was whether those who dissented ... There were some who denied that this was ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter ii robert nelson his.htm
Resources
Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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