PRINCIPLES OF PRAYER

Mark 11: 15-33

Monday, 26 January 2026

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” - Mark 11:24 

The world’s standard says in order to believe we must see—we believe what we see; but in the Word of God—we will see when we believe. From the scripture today, we will look int two principes Jesus gives insight to His disciples of an important aspect of Christian life– prayer: i) to have faith ii) to forgive.

1. Faith

As soon as the disciples told Him that the fig tree had withered, Jesus said, “Have faith in God.” Faith in God is crucial when we pray. James 1:6-7 says, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.” When we communicate with God we need to believe that He is listening to us and that He is talking to us essentially through His Word to every situation in our lives.  If there is doubt in us, it simply means that our faith is weak and we are unable receive anything from God. It is impossible to please God without faith (Heb.11:6) A life of faith is active and progressive. It means we are willing to trust and obey God at all times, even when we walk through valley of darkness, firmly believing that God does all things right and works everything for good for those who love Him. Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” This throne of grace is open to us, sinners saved by His grace, because Jesus paid with His blood for our sin and hence trusting in His sacrifice, we are welcome to the throne of grace. We draw near to God by faith! Faith is taking God at His Word no matter what the circumstance in life. It is by faith that we are saved and we receive wisdom and direction for our daily living and it is by faith in Christ that we live to please God.

2. Forgive

Jesus said that we would receive anything we ask for in prayer, if we have faith. There is a condition though, that he stated in the very next statement. “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Many prayers are unanswered because of this one sin in our lives – unforgiveness.! James 2:13 says, “For judgement will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgement.” 

We need to examine ourselves every day to see if there is sin in us, whereby we are unable to reconcile with someone because we so falsely think so highly of us, that we are always right. Satan makes us think that God is with us when in reality, God is so far away from us because of the unforgiving attitude in our lives.  We must realise that when you do notforgive others, it is a sign that you have not repented and surely is a sign that you are still in your sins. Christ came not only to reconcile you with God; He also came to reconcile you with your fellow being— be it your spouse, parents, brothers/sisters, friends or family. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, follow His example. Forgiving is an act of faith!

Brethren, if you need to have your prayers answered, you need to pray in faith and pray, forgiving anyone who has wronged you. May these principles be rooted in your prayer life!

Food for Thought: “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. “ ~ Martin Luther