Anchored in Christ

The Prayer of faith, like some plant rooted in a fruitful soil, draws its virtue from a disposition which has been brought into conformity with the mind of Christ. (David McIntyre)

Here are eight characteristics of faith-filled prayers from David McIntyre’s book The Hidden Life of Prayer:

1. It is subject to the Divine will.

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” (1 John 5:14)

2. It is restrained within the interest of Christ.

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13)

3. It is instructed in the truth.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15:7)

4. It is energized by the Spirit.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20)

5. It is interwoven with love and mercy.

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (Mark 11:25)

6. It is accompanied with obedience.

Whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. (1 John 3:22)

7. It is so earnest that it will not accept denial.

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Luke 11:9)

8. It goes out to look for and to hasten its answer.

The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James 5:16)