Mark 11:24
Therfore I say vnto you, What things soeuer ye desire when ye pray, beleeue that ye receiue them, and ye shall haue them. Mark 11:24 (KJV)
In the verses that precede this saying, Jesus had just cursed a barren fig tree, and the next morning the disciples saw that it had withered (Mark 11:20). That incident leads directly into a discussion on the power of faith and the significance of prayer.
Importance of Faith: Jesus begins with “Therefore I say unto you,” drawing a conclusion from the example of the withered fig tree. He emphasizes that faith is the foundation of a believer’s relationship with God, involving trust, confidence, and belief in God’s power and promises.
Power of Prayer: He instructs his disciples, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray.” This statement implies that we may bring our requests, desires, and needs before God in prayer. Prayer is presented as a means of communicating with God, seeking His will, and presenting our petitions to Him.
Believing in Receiving: The phrase “believe that ye receive them” highlights the crucial aspect of effective prayer. Jesus encourages his disciples to have faith and trust that God will answer their prayers, expressing a confident trust that God will grant our requests according to His will.
Assurance of Receiving: Jesus concludes, “and ye shall have them,” promising that when we pray with faith and trust in God, our requests will be granted. The text also notes that God answers prayers in His wisdom and according to His perfect will, which may not always align with our desires. Trusting in God’s sovereignty allows us to accept His answer, whether it is “yes,” “no,” or “wait.”
In summary, Mark 11:24 teaches that faith coupled with prayer is powerful. It encourages believers to bring their desires and needs before God, believing that He hears and answers their prayers. The passage emphasizes the importance of trust and confidence in God’s ability to grant our requests according to His will, while reminding us that God’s answers may differ from our expectations and that ultimately His will prevails.
