And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying – Acts 12:12
Many times when we pray, we’re praying with hope and wish when we need to be praying in faith. We can either have positive faith or negative faith. Both of these are faith, and we will receive what we have faith in.
Herod had killed James and imprisoned Peter. While Peter was in prison, the church, which was the body of Christ, was praying consistently without ceasing. They were praying, but some of them were praying in doubt, while others prayed in faith because Peter was released from prison.
When the angels of God released Peter from prison, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, where people were gathered together praying. Rhoda knew Peter’s voice, and she was so excited, before opening the door she went to tell others that Peter was at the door.
The very ones who were praying when they heard Peter was at the door told her she was out of her mind. She consistently said it was Peter; then they told her it was Peter’s angel, although they were praying for Peter’s release.
They were praying, but they were praying in doubt. Many times, as Christians, we do the same thing. We allow what we may have done or said to influence us that God will not hear the prayer or He will not answer the prayer.
When you ask God for forgiveness and repent of your sin, God immediately forgives you (If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness – 1st John 1:9). It is God’s will to supply your need (But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus -Philippians 4:19).
If you’re praying for your spouse, children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren, it is God’s will for them to receive salvation (And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house – Acts 16:31). God has always been concerned about family. Noah saved his household from the flood because of his obedience. Rahab, the harlot, saved her family by placing her trust in God.
When fear and doubt arise, find Scriptures that will back up what you’re praying for. God has promised His Word would not return to Him void; the Bible is His written Word. He has spoken it by men of God and has inspired godly men to write down what He was inspiring them to write, which is the Scriptures.
God loves you, and He will answer your prayers as you pray in faith. Some prayers are answered immediately, and there are those we have to wait. Whatever you’re praying for, keep praying until you receive an answer.