The Privilege of Prayer - part 2

Read Part one here.

Another element of prevailing prayer is faith. This may seem quite basic but cannot be overlooked.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him..
- Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

Jesus highlights this point when He spoke to His disciples.

Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
-Mark 11:24 NKJV

Do we take Him at His word?

The assurance is broad and unlimited, and He is faithful who has promised. So how do we react when we do not receive the very things we asked for, at the time we ask? Do we still believe that the Lord hears and that He will answer our prayers?

Too often the problem lies with us. We are so erring and short-sighted that we ask for things that would not be a blessing to us, and our heavenly Father in love answers our prayers by giving us that which will be for our highest good—that which we ourselves would desire if with vision divinely enlightened we could see all things as they really are. It is precisely when our prayers seem not to be answered, that we need to cling to the promise; trusting that the time of answering will come, and we will receive the blessing we need most. But to claim that prayer will always be answered in the very way and for the particular thing that we desire, is presumption. God is too wise to make mistakes, and too good to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. Then do not fear to trust God, even though you do not see the immediate answer to your prayers. Rely upon Jesus’ sure promise,