Proverbs 3:5–6 (NLT) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
This reminds us that prayer is not merely requests—it’s a conversation rooted in trust and guidance from God.
Confidence in Prayer
John 14:13–15 “You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!”
Jesus assures us: when we pray in His name and according to His will, we can have confidence.
Matthew 21:21 “Then Jesus told them, ‘I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more.…’”
Doubt hinders; faith activates.
Why We Doubt
Many of us feel undeserving—conditioned to think we must earn divine favor. That mindset breeds doubt.
James 1:5–6 “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver…”
We must ask without wavering, relying entirely on God’s generosity—not our own merit.
Relying on God’s Character
1 John 4:15 “All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.”
It’s not just about believing God is good, but knowing He’s good to us personally. That is our foundation in prayer.
The Danger of Self-Righteousness
Luke 18:9–12 “Then Jesus told this story… ‘The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “I thank you, God, that I am not like other people… I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.”’”
The Pharisee trusted his works. The tax collector trusted God’s mercy. Humility is honored.
Confidence in Christ Alone
Philippians 3:3–9 “…we put no confidence in human effort… I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”
Our righteousness is in Christ alone—not in anything we do.
God’s Generosity
Romans 8:31–32 “31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
This profound truth assures us: if God gave His Son, He will graciously give us all good things.
Final Encouragement
- We are invited to believe and not doubt.
- God gives generously without finding fault (James 1:5–6).
- In prayer, we trust in Him—not in ourselves but in what Christ has done.
Everyone who came to Jesus was never turned away—He healed and transformed them all.
