In episode 132, “Foundation of Bold Prayer”, we discuss the importance of having a solid foundation of knowing God’s character and how we can confidently pray in a bold manner. As Christians, we have a direct line to communicating with God, and that’s through prayer. We begin our book study mini series over Autumn Miles’ Gangster Prayer. Learn how to relentlessly pursue God with passion and great expectation.
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When Waiting Has to Happen
In our Gangster Prayer mini series episodes, we always dicuss a couple of lies we need to fight against when it comes to the truth of who God is and what He’ll do. One major lie we can tend to believe is, “God doesn’t listen when I pray.” Why do we think this sometimes? It may be because we aren’t getting the results we want, or God isn’t operating on our personal timeline.
It can be challenging waiting for something you’ve been asking God for. This could mean having children, finding a fulfilling job, or figuring our who you’re meant to date. It could mean being free from addiction, bringing back a wayward child, or getting rid of an illness. There are so many struggles we go through on this side of Heaven, and the waiting can be rough. But hang in there! God’s timing is the best timing, and knowing who God is will help us in the waiting.
Here is a great sermon on what can happen in the waiting and what we should do as Christians as we wait. Thanks for the great sermon, CLife!
Reflection Combats Doubt
Waiting can be hard, but we know that God is always working for our good. Here’s where the power of reflection comes into play. Take time on a regular basis to look back and see how God has gotten you through different circumstances. Read your Bible to see how God made a way time after time for His people. If He can part the seas, He CAN for you too! Reflecting combats doubt that we have left in our minds unchecked. Actively reflecting can shut down doubt and get your praying confidently.
Gut chek time. Is the foundation of your prayer life built on doubt or faith. We know that trials will happen in our lives, so it’s wise to cover ourselves and others in prayer on a consistent basis. Take a moment to read the scripture below. Do you see how we could and should be constantly growing our faith before, during, and after trials?
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
The Wise and Foolish Builders, Matthew 7:24-25
Good news! You can ask God for help on building your faith. You can build your faith in big or little ways, and we give examples in episode 132 on how this can look practically in your life. Be sure to scroll up and press play so you can hear our tips.
- Read your Bible
- Pray for bold faith
- Listen for the nudges
- Move into action
God’s Giving Nature
This episode is all about having a foundation of bold prayer. The lie we need to fight is: “I shouldn’t pray for something I want because God will probably say no.” Why do we feel so uncomfortable going to God and asking for something we want? Here’s the key: check your motivations. If you’re praying for finances: First, are you making wise spending choices? Second, what’s your reason why you’re praying for finances? These are two simple questions you can ask yourself to see if your heart is aligned with God’s.
Didn’t like the answers you had to those questions? You’re normal! Pro tip: pray that God aligns your heart according to His will. This can help squash out selfish motivations. If you’re worried God’s just the big guy up there who always says no, take a look at this verse;
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Mark 11:24
“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Matthew 7:11
God, by nature, is a far better gift giver than we could ever be. God wants to give us great gifts, but if we’re not even asking for them, how will we recognize the great things He’s doing for us? Whatever you’re praying for, remember that God will equip you along the way. If it’s in His prosperous plans for you He’ll guide you, supply resources, and use the Holy Spirit within you. Trust and have faith.
In episode 132, we talk about the story of Jesus healing the boy. We always encourage our readers to pick up their Bible and read the story firsthand. In Mark 9:14-29, a father asks Jesus to heal his son. The man in his human nature has a thought of doubt creep in and He and Jesus have such a great exchange. Here’s the verse where the father prays to Jesus to help him combat the lies, fear, and doubt:
“Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’”
Mark 9:24
In this small-but-mighty verse, the man is crying out to His rescuer, Jesus, to heal his son. The dad’s emotions haven’t caught up with his action of faith, but that can take time. We can always pray for God to strengthen our faith. In this episode we talk about how our emotions and thoughts can trick us if we let them, so it’s always important to pray and ask for peace and clarity. Keep taking actions in faith, your emotions can play catch up. You stick to doing what is right in God’s eyes.
We hope you enjoyed episode 132, “Foundation of Bold Prayer” and that you have practical, actionable steps you can take. Be sure to check out this entire Gangster Prayer mini series about relentlessly pursuing God with passion and great expectation. You can do this! We’re here to help. Click the affiliate image below to get your copy of Autumn Miles’ book.
Links From the Show
- Book Gangster Prayer by Autumn Miles
- Gangster Prayer Mini Series
- 21 Kicks Journals
- Get Out of Your Head Mini Series
- Switch On Your Brain Mini Series
- Atomic Habits Mini Series
- Grit Mini Series
- Lisa’s JOY Story: Episode 126
- Kayse Morris: Episode 100
- Paul McDill: Episode 51
- Tara-Leigh Cobble: The Bible Recap, episode 81
