Pray and Believe

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

I've heard many people say that if you believe something truly in your heart and act as though it were real, it will somehow magically appear. This verse is quoted as proof. But as much as the Bible is clear on things, sometimes you can't take verses out of context. The very next verse says that when you pray, make sure you hold nothing against anyone.

Woah. That right there says so much. Are we truly not harboring any unforgiveness? Are our hearts really seeking God's will when we pray? Jesus was pure of heart and spirit so when he spoke, those words had power. So it is with our words and prayers. But if we hold ill will against anyone or unconfessed sin, it can hold us back from fulfilling God's will in our life.

Lay it all out before God and seek Him first.