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I have seen much confusion about prayer based in misinterpretations of the following verse from the Bible:

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours Mark 11:24

Often taken out of context, this has led many to ask me: “Is my belief just not good enough? Why doesn’t God give me what I ask for?”

Here.s what I have learned: Prayer is not anything like wish-full thinking. Prayer is neither easy nor reflexive. Prayer, the sort of prayer that God hears and longs for, changes us. It is a discipline we grow into and grow from and we need a life time to learn it.

Here’s the larger context for the above verse

:.If you remain in me and my words remain in you…ask whatever you wish… Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. ” Mark 11:23- 35

Prayer is a powerful and empowering experience. It is not something to take lightly, like breaking a wishbone or wearing an angel pin or crystals. Prayer changes us because prayer is willing God.s will. Even objective studies on prayer have shown its power of healing, lowering blood pressure and pulse rate. releasing endorphins, improving our immune system . it is a whole person exercise: body, mind and spirit.

There are two basic types of prayers: First, the prayer of a child to his/her creator. Secondly, the prayer in which we draw near to God, purposing to enter into an awareness of God’s presence, allowing our mind and emotions to be at one with God’s purposes. We begin with the first and grow into the second through practice. This then changes us from the inside out so that the choices we make are for a higher good and we begin to understand that even the horrors of life are only a small part of an eternal reality and abiding love.