Jesus introduced the subject of prayer with the command, “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22). Faith is essential to receive anything from God, for “without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Speaking of prayer, James also emphasizes the prerequisite of faith. “But let him [the believer] ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord” (James 1:6–7).

This command reflects the continual interaction that Jesus had with His heavenly Father. Whatever Jesus asked for, He would receive, because He and His Father are one and they have a continual, loving relationship. Their intimate relationship is reflected in the words of Jesus: “I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him” (John 8:28–29).

It also reveals Jesus as our Great High Priest, Who is now interceding for us at the right hand of God the Father. He understands our weaknesses because He was “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

Jesus is the Word. He lived out the Word. His faith powerfully accomplished the works of His heavenly Father. He followed in perfect faith, even to dying on the cross for our sin.

Q: If a Christian prays about a certain need and asks other Christians to pray with him, and if he believes that he will receive what he requests, but nothing happens after several years, what should he do? (See Mark 11:24.)

A: Multitudes of prayers are answered immediately. A man of great faith, George Mueller, listed in his journal 50,000 specific answers to prayer. Of those answered prayers, 5,000 were answered the very same day in which they were prayed.

However, God does not provide an instant answer to prayer every time, nor does He always fulfill His promises immediately. Patience comes when we are convinced of God’s will and are able to hope in that which He has promised. Romans 8:25 says, “But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

When God promised Abraham that He would give him a son, this promise was not fulfilled until Abraham was 100 years old and his wife was well past child-bearing age. Paul wrote the following words about Abraham: “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform” (Romans 4:20–21).

God heard the cries of the nation of Israel in bondage and said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows” (Exodus 3:7). He was preparing Moses to be their deliverer; however, another 40 years passed before the Israelites were led out of Egypt.

These examples and others throughout Scripture remind us that God’s timing is perfect, and in the “fullness of the time” He brings to pass the answers to our fervent prayers. Even when we do not see immediate results, we should continue to be faithful in prayer and not give up. (See Luke 18:1.)