What is the Prayer of Faith? Part 2
A Scripture Study in Hebrews 11:1
February 28, 2020
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I was looking at Hebrews 11:1 in a new Bible translation. It stated that faith is a way to acquire what we long for. This is not the conclusion from my study.
The New American Standard Bible (NASB) word to word translation reads, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Based on other passages in the New Testament, the following is true:
- The “things” we expect are those things we have already been promised by our Heavenly Father. That’s why we expect them.
- The only reason we “hope for” the promises with assurance is because He already told us to expect them, even though we cannot see them.
- Faith is required because we cannot see them. Faith refers to the actions we take based on His promises. Here are a few examples:
- He told me in His Word that I am His Beloved; so, I act and think like one who is greatly loved.
- He told me in His Word that He is coming back to receive me to Himself; so, by faith all my anticipation and work is for this moment.
- He told me in His Word that He hears my prayer; so, by faith I know He will answer in His timing and in His way.
- He told me in His Word that He will never leave me; so, I rest in contentment and joy.
Although God encourages us to pray for the things we want, faith is not something that gets us whatever we want. By faith we act on His promises by the power of the Holy Spirit. We ask Him to purify our motives, give us discernment, and increase our faith!
God’s purpose is for our joy that comes from walking in His footsteps – “…those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son…” Romans 8:29a
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