Matthew 21:22

“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

The key to receiving from God is not prayer but believing prayer. When we place so much emphasis on prayer, we lose track of the vital ingredient that makes prayer work. Prayer can be vigorous without being effective. Prayer can be laborious without bringing results. It’s possible to hold long multiplied prayer meetings that do not achieve anything. Effective prayer is not in the activity, but in the faith behind it.

Let’s, therefore, focus on God when we pray and let’s center our thoughts on His ability to do what we are asking of Him. Let’s distant ourselves from the religiosity of prayer, but instead focus on the deep relationship with the One to whom we pray. If our connection with God is deep and we trust Him implicitly, then when we pray, we will not doubt His ability or willingness to answer our prayers. The key to receiving is being close enough to God that we believe what He says He will do and what we ask Him to do. Of course, this personal closeness will also direct us to change our prayer focus when we are praying outside of His agenda.

“O Father, I trust You. I believe You. Thank You for answering my prayers. In Jesus name. Amen.”