Pray Without Doubt
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
James 1:6-7
Is it possible for us to pray without some level of doubt? Is it possible to have strong faith that overcomes doubt? The Lord wants us to overcome doubt as stated in James 1:6-7, so let’s look at scripture and see what the Lord tells us about overcoming doubt.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:6). This verse is critical, because doubt in faith is displeasing to God.
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son (John 14:13). If a prayer brings glory to the Father, then we know it will be answered. Therefore, what prayers bring glory to the Father? To be more Christ-like in this world is definitely for his glory. Also for our health, finances, job, protection, healing, food, and home. These are for the glory of the Father, and we thank the Lord for these blessings, knowing that they come from him and that we use them for his glory.
Now if we can be certain that the Lord is going to answer our prayers because we know that our prayers will bring glory to God, then why should we ever doubt? We doubt because we are not sure that the Lord is going to answer the prayer according to our own wills and in our timing. Is this because we don’t fully trust the Lord’s will in answering the prayer within his timing?
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8). The Lord hears our prayers and he understands us better than we understand ourselves. He understands the situation leading to the prayer, and he knows the hearts of all the people involved. From this divine wisdom and love he answers our prayer. The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans (Romans 8:26). Knowing that the Spirit reveals our hearts to the Father increases our faith in knowing that God will answer our prayers.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). Pray specifically and consistently and trust the Lord fully for his divine answer and timing, remembering not to lean on your own understanding. Trusting the Lord’s answer to our prayers reveals our faith in him. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe (Romans 3:22).
It’s important that we walk according to the Lord’s will, living as his servants and seeing the Lord as our master. This way we are not trying to share the throne with our Lord, because sharing the throne will definitely hinder our prayers. The Lord often works through us to answer our prayers. We pray as the Lord’s servants so that his power will work through us. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20).
Today when you pray, know that the Lord will answer and completely trust his divine will. Continue to walk as his servant with confidence, knowing that he will answer your prayer according to his perfect love and understanding. This is faith that pleases God and faith that allows us to overcome doubt.
Let’s Pray: Lord I pray that all my prayers bring you glory, and that I will desire your answer to prayer because you are God. Lord, help my faith to grow stronger every day, that I might fully trust you in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.