Title: Praying Without Believing?
Memorize: But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Luke 7:2-10 (Nkjv)
[2] And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.
[3] So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant.
[4] And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving,
[5] “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.”
[6] Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.
[7] Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
[8] For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
[9] When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”
[10] And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.
Message:
In today’s Bible reading, the centurion’s faith received an outstanding accolade from Jesus.
He sent people to ask Jesus to come and heal his servant, but while Jesus was still on His way his faith reached new heights, and he sent his friends to Jesus to tell Him, “Just speak the word, and my servant will be healed.”
My dear child, I want you to be like this patriarch of faith who put his faith in the words of Christ and got healing for his servant.
When you pray, hold on to God and His words, and you will get answers to your requests.
I remember I once prayed to God for something and didn’t get an answer until 13 years later.
I can confidently tell you that God answers prayers, but He needs to see your faith in Him. No one has seen God physically, but you can see Him through the eyes of your faith. Beloved, always pray in faith.
Prayer Point:
Father, please help me to build my faith in You.
Bible Quiz:
What remarkable statement did the Centurion make that demonstrated his extraordinary faith in Jesus’ ability to heal his servant?
HYMN 22 – SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER
1. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
that calls me from a world of care,
and bids me at my Father’s throne
make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
my soul has often found relief,
and oft escaped the tempter’s snare
by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
2. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
the joys I feel, the bliss I share
of those whose anxious spirits burn
with strong desires for thy return!
With such I hasten to the place
where God my Savior shows his face,
and gladly take my station there,
and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
3. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
thy wings shall my petition bear
to him whose truth and faithfulness
engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since he bids me seek his face,
believe his word, and trust his grace,
I’ll cast on him my every care,
and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
Bible In One Year: Genesis 11:1-13:4, Matthew 5:1-26
AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE