Pray Believing: The Power of Faith-Fueled Prayer [Insights by Pastor Mensa Otabil]

Introduction

In the context of spiritual practices, prayer holds a significant place. It is a conduit for communication with God, a way to express gratitude, seek guidance, and ask for help. 

Pastor Mensa Otabil, in his sermon “Pray Believing,” delves into the profound relationship between faith and prayer.

Based on Mark 11:24, this essay explores the critical components that make prayer effective, emphasizing that true prayer is powered by faith, intensified by fasting, and manifested through a strong belief in God’s character and promises.

The Foundation of Faith-Fueled Prayer

In Mark 11:24, Jesus says, “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” This verse underscores the essential role of faith in prayer. 

Before delving deeper, it is crucial to understand the context. Jesus made these remarks after His disciples witnessed the withering of a fig tree He had cursed. He used this moment to teach them about the power of spoken words and the necessity of faith in prayer.

The Verbs of Prayer: Pray, Believe, Receive, and Have

Pastor Otabil highlights four key verbs from this passage: pray, believe, receive, and have. Each of these actions forms a sequential process that, when followed, leads to effective prayer.

Pray: The Act of Asking

Prayer is an active verb, a doing word. It involves directing our requests to God, not to any other entity or force like the universe. This distinction is vital because it acknowledges God’s sovereignty and omnipotence. 

When we pray, we must focus entirely on God, recognizing Him as the source of all answers and blessings. This focus ensures that our prayers are not mere utterances but heartfelt communications with our Creator.

Believe: Trusting in God’s Character

Belief is an active trust in God’s ability and willingness to answer our prayers. It is not passive but involves a confident expectation based on God’s character as revealed in the Bible.

To believe is to have faith that God is good, kind, merciful, and all-powerful. This belief must be present before, during, and after we pray. It envelops our prayer, giving it the power to transcend mere words and become a spiritual connection with God’s promises.

Receive: Accepting God’s Response

Receiving is an act of faith. It involves accepting that God has granted our request even before we see any physical evidence. This acceptance is expressed through thanksgiving.

When we pray and believe, we must also receive by thanking God for His answer. This act of thanksgiving demonstrates our trust in God’s faithfulness and His ability to fulfill His promises.

Have: Manifestation of the Answer

The final verb, have, refers to the physical manifestation of what we prayed for. There is often a time lapse between receiving and having, but during this period, our faith remains active. 

We continue to thank God and trust that He is working on our behalf. This patience and continued belief are crucial as they keep our faith alive and our focus on God’s promise.

The Role of Fasting in Prayer

Fasting is often associated with prayer as it intensifies our spiritual focus and dedication. However, Pastor Otabil clarifies that fasting itself is not the power behind prayer. Instead, fasting creates an intensity and acceleration for our prayers. 

The true power of prayer comes from faith. Without faith, fasting becomes an exercise in self-deprivation without spiritual benefit. 

Thus, during times of fasting, it is essential to ensure that our prayers are driven by a strong belief in God’s character and promises.

The Importance of Specific and Scriptural Prayer

For prayer to be effective, it must be specific and scriptural. Jesus often asked people what they wanted, even when their needs were obvious. This specificity in prayer is crucial because it shows our faith in God’s ability to address our exact needs.

Additionally, our prayers must be based on scripture, aligning with God’s character and His revealed will. This alignment ensures that our requests are in harmony with God’s purpose and promises, making our prayers more powerful and effective.

The Relationship Between Faith and God’s Character

Faith is fundamentally about believing in God’s character. To have faith is to trust that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He has promised. This trust is built through knowledge of the Bible, as faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

Therefore, a strong prayer life is rooted in a strong understanding of the scriptures. The more we know about God’s character and promises, the more confidently we can pray and believe in His answers.

Overcoming Doubt and Maintaining Faith

One of the challenges in maintaining a faith-fueled prayer life is overcoming doubt. Doubt can arise when we do not see immediate answers to our prayers. 

However, Pastor Otabil emphasizes the importance of continuous thanksgiving and trust in God during these times. Even when physical evidence is lacking, we must hold on to the belief that God is working behind the scenes. 

This persistent faith, expressed through ongoing thanksgiving, keeps our connection with God strong and paves the way for the eventual manifestation of our prayers.

The Power of Testimony

Once we receive the manifestation of our prayers, it is essential to testify of God’s goodness. Testimonies not only give glory to God but also encourage others in their faith.

They serve as tangible evidence of God’s faithfulness and power, reinforcing the belief that He is always at work in our lives. Sharing our testimonies can inspire others to pray with faith and trust in God’s character.

Conclusion

In “Pray Believing,” Pastor Mensa Otabil eloquently teaches that the power of prayer lies in our faith. Prayer must be directed to God, rooted in a strong belief in His character, and accompanied by a confident reception and thanksgiving for His answers. Fasting can intensify our prayers, but it is faith that powers them.

By understanding and practicing these principles, we can experience the true power of prayer in our lives, seeing our requests manifested as tangible answers from God.

Remember, the journey from asking to having is paved with belief, receiving, and continuous thanksgiving. Pray believing, and witness the miraculous unfold.

What lessons have you picked from this write-up to help your faith-fueled prayers? Share with us.