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 Dear
Editor,
We
know faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17). We
also know prayer must be in faith (Jas. 1:6) May we ask
for things of this life — as safety on a trip? The Bible doesn’t
tell us to ask for this? How could such be a prayer of faith?
Reply:
In
a diligent search for a mechanical formula for prayer, we have
not discovered the personality of our God. Jehovah is interested
in his people and expects them to share with him their joys and
sorrows. Peter urges. “Cast all your care upon h m; for he
careth for you” (1 Pet. 5: 7 ). God who knows even
trivial facts — the number of my hair (Mt. 10: 20) — also
cares about my trivial problems. They concern him because they
trouble me.
We
have no list of specifics for which to pray. Such would
be impossible. We do have generic authority for prayer to
include thanksgiving, requests, and the cares of this life. Our
requests to God may he as broad as our thanksgiving to him —
in everything (Phil. 4:6).
We
might also investigate the reference to “asking in faith.”
Does this mean faith in the answer to our prayer? If so, how
could we continue to pray in faith after a petition had
once been denied? (Lk. 18:1-f). The testimony of a denied
petition would be contrary to the request and hence against
asking again — in faith. Also, we may know only the problem
— not the answer.
Paul
prayed three times for the thorn in
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his flesh to be removed. God refused
his petition but gave him the strength to endure (2 Cor.
12:7-9). Was Paul’s prayer without faith? Was his faith
groundless? Absolutely not! His faith was not in a removed
thorn. He believed in God who had both power to remove
the thorn and wisdom to know the best answer to Paul’s
problem. Paul had the same faith after the request was denied as
before.
Jesus
prayed for his cup of suffering to pass (Mt. 26:39). Yet he knew
his death was necessary to redeem all men (Jno. 12:32-33). He
knew God commanded him to lay down his life (Jno. 10:18).
He also knew it was the time for his death (Jno. 13:1).
The testimony was opposite to his request, yet he prayed for the
cup to pass. Was his prayer in faith? Surely he was not told to
ask for this. He could not believe the cup would pass. He told
his Father of his dread of the cross and his desire (Jesus’
will) to avoid its pain and shame. Then trustingly, he
left all in the Father’ s hands —” nevertheless not my
will but thine be done. “ This is the highest manifestation of
faith.
With
faith in God, we ask for wisdom (Jas. 1:6). No doubters are
heard: man must believe in God who can reward those seeking him
(Heb. 11:6).
We
trust God with our heart’s secret feelings — our
weaknesses and fears. We confide to him our many needs
and confess dependence on him. We are confident he
listens, cares, and acts in our best interest. Such is prayer in
faith. Our faith is in God. -- Joe Fitch
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