Go Vertical: 21 Days To An Improved Prayer Life

Day 10: Ask Expecting To Receive From God

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double- minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 5:5-8 (New King James Version).

It is extremely important to have high expectations of God in prayer. To doubt God's willingness to give is to disable our prayers. God loves to give with lavish generosity and He loves to hear us asking Him in faith.

Our part is to ask without any doubt, and His part is to give to us abundantly. A doubting prayer has no chance to succeed because God expects us to be fully persuaded that He is willing and able to provide for us. Abraham understood this principle and he received miraculous outcomes because of his faith-filled prayers:

"Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping-believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, 'That's how many descendants you will have!' And Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead-and so was Sarah's womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises." Romans 4:18-21 (New Living Translation).

We must be fully convinced, like Abraham, that God is able to do whatever He promises! He is still a miracle- working God, and He expects us to have high expectations to be heard when we present our requests to Him in prayer.

Action Step:

- Have you asked God for something where you doubt whether He will actually answer your prayers?

- Are you fully convinced that God is not only able but willing to do what you have asked Him to do?

- Make this declaration today as you pray:

"Father God, I believe with all my heart that you are not only able, but also totally willing to help me in my areas of need. Thank you for hearing my prayers today!"

Review:

1. Prayer Is Simply Talking And Listening To God.

2. Prayer Should Flow From A Contrite Heart.

3. Your Prayers Should Be Confident.

4. Your Prayers Should Be Concise And To The Point.

5. Your Prayers Should Be Consistent And Constant.

6. Pray In Jesus' Name.

7. Pray About Everything!

8. You Do Not Have Because You Don't Ask God.

9. Asking God With The Wrong Motive Doesn't Work.

10. Ask Expecting To Receive From God.