Asking, Believing, and Receiving

Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

So how should we ask? Lord, gimme this and that and the other? No. We should prayerfully recognize our helplessness and dependence on God. We should trust.

We should ask with a purpose. The church should ask for a downpouring of the Spirit, for uprising of the saints, and to reach the lost. 

The individual Christian should ask for a filing of the Spirit, a burden for the lost, and have faith in God's promises. We should ask patiently and believe in the purpose, power, and promises of God. 

What are the results of our prayer of faith? -- a cleansed heart, purged conscience, joy and peace, restored health, and answers to problems.

How should we respond to answered prayer? Acknowledge God by praise and thanks. Surrender to His service.

Prayer is the key to heaven, but faith unlocks the door.