Abiding in the PsalmsSample

Answers

Read this passage by itself, and see how God calls us to belief. Jesus wants us to have confidence when we ask our Father because He is powerful enough to make it happen. Do you genuinely believe that God will answer your prayers? If we are still angry at other people for what they have done to us, why should God forgive the things we have done against Him? This is a lesson from Jesus, that when we are praying we should genuinely believe the words we are saying.

Now read the context around this passage. Jesus has just gone up to the temple of Jerusalem, which is a city built on a mountain, and has overturned all of the tables to drive the people out. They are standing at the foot of this mountain when Jesus has cursed the fig tree for not producing fruit – in 1 Kings 4:25 this is a symbol of God’s blessing – and the tree has withered and died. When Jesus talks of the mountain being thrown into the sea, He is hinting that Israel is going to be turned upside down, and He is bringing in a new kingdom with a new way of worship. No more sacrifices in the temple – Jesus' death is enough for us to have access to God’s presence. See also John 4:1-26 and Hebrews 4:14-16.

Believe what you are praying, and expect that when you ask God you will receive an answer. If you believe in God’s forgiveness, then you should also believe in forgiveness for other people. Thank God for his death and resurrection – this is what makes it possible for us to worship God anywhere, and to speak through God’s Spirit. Wrestle with this verse – Jesus calls us to belief and to pray for things that seem impossible. However, Jesus isn’t telling us that “if you get enough faith power you can do whatever miraculous thing you want”. We should be bold, but we shouldn’t think that if we give God enough prayers, He will do whatever we want.  What is the connection between faith and obedience? 

Prayer

God, you can do amazing things. You are holy and powerful. You are the King of the universe, and you are our heavenly father. Your Holy Spirit cleans me and dwells in me – thank you for taking away all of my wrong actions, all of my wrong thoughts. You make me righteous. You have overthrown the old way of worshipping – thank you! Thank you that Jesus died once and for all, and that He has made it possible to come before you without fear. Help me to be forgiving, and to be patient, because you have been so forgiving and patient to me. Give me faith to pray bold prayers, and wisdom to know what you would have me say and do.