Why isn't the miraculous commonplace? Is it because of a lack of faith, or because God doesn't work that way these days? These are tough questions that I'm sure every believer has grappled with at some time.

The words of Jesus seem to offer a prayer "blank check" based upon our faith:

"Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, `Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Matthew 21:21-22)

Who hasn't felt at least some guilt over lack of faith in prayer? After all, if we just had enough faith in prayer Uncle Joe or a precious brother or sister in the church wouldn't have died from their illness. Or so it would seem.

If faith in prayer resulted in healing for every sick believer then our prayers would work in defiance of what God has established as the boundaries for length of life (Job 14:5). There are other variables in the realm of prayer besides faith.

The burden of guilt over lack of faith in prayer should not overshadow the opportunity of faith in prayer. Exciting possibilities exist in prayer for the person of faith. "Mountains" that stand in our way can be removed; needs can be met supernaturally.

Dare we believe that we can receive "all things you ask in prayer"? Will not God prompt us when our asking bumps up against that which runs counter to His will and plan?

Faith and prayer are awesome forces. Both have been placed in our hands. They are the perfect remedy for worry and stress and all that troubles and limits us.

May we see the possibilities that Jesus saw as commonplace as He lived and operated within the dynamic Spirit and presence of His Father.

Steve