James 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Over the years I have witnessed many Christians weakened by the notion that because their prayers had not been answered, that their faith was in question. Misguided men have in the past held faith prayer over the heads of their flock, a means of manipulation and control. Some were cult leaders, some were just ignorant of the grace of God.

James 5:17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

This verse in James gave them some liberty to lay claim that man can ask and the Lord would answer if your faith was strong enough. The truth is deeper and more complex than simply praying.

1 Kings 17:1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

Yes Elijah prayed but look to these important words; “before whom I stand”. It is here in the throne room of God that Elijah knew the mind of God. Israel had sinned a great sin against God and it was Elijah’s responsibility to make known what the consequences of that great sin would be.

Elijah did nothing more than pray the will of God from a place of hearing. Faith comes by hearing and hearing from the Word of God. Faith prayer begins with the will of God spoken and heard by those who come before Him.

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Not all prayer is prayer of faith. We are urged to pray without ceasing, to be earnest in prayer, to reveal our hearts and make requests. In those prayers we are but beggars at the door.

Grace abounds.