The Prayer that Works Come from Strong Faith and a Heart that Forgives (Mark 11:12-14, 20-26)
This is the same passage we read in lesson #19 where we have Jesus speaking to and cursing a fig tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-26). This seems like a minor miracle, however, it is recorded in the Bible because of the lessons it contains – a prayer that works. After Jesus had cursed the fig tree, they didn’t sit around there waiting to see what would happen; they continued on their journey.
The next day, He and His disciples passed by the fig tree and His disciples were astonished as to how much impact His words had on the fig tree; for the fig tree had “dried up from the roots” (Mark 11:20). Then comes one of the lessons, as everything Jesus ever said or did was to achieve a higher purpose, which is usually geared towards increasing the faith of His followers. He says,
Why are you surprised? This is but a speck of how much zero doubt in your hearts plus faith in God can achieve. I am telling you that if you speak to any mountain [or problem] facing you or your loved ones, commanding it to lift up and throw itself into the sea, and you entertain zero fear and zero doubt in your hearts and believe that the words you have spoken will come to pass, then that problem or challenge, however huge it may be, will surely be taken care of, according to your faith.
Indeed, this does not only apply to when you find yourself in a difficult situation but, when you ask God for anything at all that you desire, and you believe that He can give it to you, then you shall have what you ask of God. However, remember the rules of engaging God – zero doubt, zero sin, especially the sin of unforgiveness. This is the prayer that works
Mark 11:22-25, paraphrased by me
You see, the sin of unforgiveness is a subtle one because, sometimes, we’re the ones who are hurt, and therefore we feel justified in our anger against those who have hurt us. We feel like punishing them for hurting us by taking certain measures that may not be a direct and equal attack on them, but can be a subtle way of punishing them.
For example, we may become withdrawn from them if they are our loved ones, knowing that our withdrawal from them will hurt them too; maybe not in the same way they had hurt us, but in a worse way. We justify ourselves by claiming that we were not being vengeful since we didn’t treat them in the exact same way they did us. However, deep down within us, we know that we feel satisfied that they are hurt by our withdrawal.
Let me be frank with you, sister/brother, this is sin, and it can hinder your prayers from receiving the answers you seek and could eventually cost you your salvation. Jesus says, “But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses,” Mark 11:26. Now, why should you end up in the same place that murderers end up (Rev. 21:8)?
In conclusion, if you want to become a custodian of the prayer that works, you need to rid yourself of every doubt and sin, especially the sin of unforgiveness.
Do you hear God speaking to you today through this lesson? Please, leave a comment or question; your comment/question might be a blessing to someone. You could also contact us through our contact page.
For the other miracle lessons, please go to the miracle lessons page.
I was around 5 when, I am strongly convinced, I first heard the distinct voice of God. But, not until I was 11 (2002) did I have a personal encounter with Him. I was in my room that night, about to pray before bed, when I saw a revelation of how filthy my heart was. I didn't argue with God that I was too young to have such amount of filth ('cause I believed I was a 'good boy,' by human standards, at least). I simply cried uncontrollably in brokenness of heart - "The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God" (Psalm 51:17) - and He didn't.
Still crying uncontrollably, I left my room and went to the living room, where my parents were watching the nightly news on TV. After I managed to tell them about the revelation I saw, my sweet mum took me to her room and led me to Christ. I got saved that night. And 6 years later, I discovered my purpose and assignment on earth, which is raising up men and women to be godly, and teaching them the simplicity of Christianity. More than a decade later, I am still fulfilling that purpose to His glory. Hallelujah!
