The Prayer of Faith
ICS Daily Devotions
Mark 11:23 (NKJV) For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.
Jesus did not tell us to talk about the mountain; He told us to speak to the mountain. We tend to get overwhelmed by challenges and talk incessantly about our problems with friends until a molehill becomes a mountain. Jesus is asking us to instruct the obstacle to get out of our way.
Why do our words have such power?
- Image of God: You were created in God’s image, and He created the universe by speaking it into being.
- Vested Authority: Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth, and He has vested that authority in His Body, the Church.
- Position of Victory: You are seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above all principalities and powers.
When you speak to a “mountain”—whether it is a medical diagnosis, financial lack, or a career obstacle—you are not speaking based on your own ability. You are speaking from a position of victory.
Just as you would never let a stray animal into your house to eat your food, you should not allow anything that is not of God to remain in your life. Tell the devil to take his hands off your family and your projects!
Examples of speaking to the mountain
• In Sickness: Speak to your lungs, cells, or organs and command them to function according to how God created them.
• In Provision: Bible students have spoken to an empty refrigerator, declaring that it must be filled because they were walking in God’s calling. God touched people’s hearts to leave groceries at their door without being told about the need.
• In Nature: Practise the prayer of faith by speaking to the clouds and commanding them to move away in Jesus’ name.
It is vital to distinguish between the prayer of consecration and the prayer of faith.
The prayer of consecration concerns the unknown will of God. It says, “If it is Your will.” You pray this when you are at a fork in the road and need a “God idea,” not merely a “good idea from man.” In contrast, the prayer of faith concerns the known will of God. You do not say “if” when praying for healing or provision because God has already promised these things in His Word—Book, Chapter, and Verse (BCV).
We will not have firm footing unless we act on the Lord’s instructions. Once we have consecrated our plans and received a Book, Chapter, and Verse (BCV) from the Lord, we must switch to the prayer of faith. If it is a God idea, He will pay for it and bless it; if it is merely your own idea, you will have to fund it yourself!
Reflection: What mountain have you been talking about instead of speaking to, and how can you begin addressing it from your position of victory in Christ?
Sermon Series: The Prayer of Faith
