WHERE IS THIS TEACHING IN THE BIBLE ?
Throughout the Bible, in both Old and New Testaments, God gives His people guidance on this subject. As with all teachings in the Bible, if we approach them honestly, we must study them in their correct context, in light of the teachings throughout the Bible on the subject.
It is important to note that this principle applies not only to the present subject, but ALL issues in the Word. An example of the importance of following correct CONTEXT and the COMPLETE teaching of the Word is easily seen in the Bible’s revelation on prayer. Many people today take one or two verses of Scripture regarding this important privilege, and assume that if they have enough faith, those verses will make all their prayers successful.
However, if you were to take only one Scripture that Jesus gave concerning prayer, such as John 14:14, you could incorrectly assume that successful praying only requires PRAYING IN THE NAME OF JESUS. (Because that is the only fact regarding prayer that is mentioned in that section of Scripture).
If we search the Scriptures, however, we find that God reveals many other things that are required in order to maximize the effectiveness of prayer.
Obedience. 1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him,
because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are
pleasing in his sight.
Praying in the Will of God. I John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we
have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
Repenting of our sins. Psalm 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the
Lord will not hear me:
Praying in complete faith. Mark 11:22-26 And Jesus answering saith
unto them, Have faith in God. Etc. Hebrews 11:6 But 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.
James 1:6-7 But let him 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.
If we took only one of these teachings by themselves, we would come to an incomplete idea of God’s will on the doctrine of prayer.