what do you mean by Praying?

by Victoria Thornton

John: “Hey, how have you been? Haven’t seen you in awhile, what’s new?

Bella: “Oh not much, just praying for God to send me my mate.”

John: “Praying? What do you mean by praying?

Bella: “You know, prrrraying…”

John: “No, I don’t know what you mean. Tell me how and what are your praying?

Bella: “Um, I don’t know. I asked God to send me my mate and now I’m waiting for it to happen.

From the conversation above, what are Bella's chances for seeing the manifestation of her answer? Let's analyze her remarks and see if you can spot the red flags that could be preventing her answer from coming to pass. Based on what she said, here is what I have gleaned from her conversation and why she may never see the answer to her prayer.

The first red flag that lets me know Bella is in trouble is she could not define what she meant by praying. Since there are several forms of prayer, the fact that she couldn't articulate what kind of praying she was doing is a huge red flag that tells me her understanding is off. What Bella doesn't understand is that her inability to explain what she means by 'praying' could be the reason she's not seeing any results.

Praying is part of the process but based on her explanation to John that she prayed and 'is waiting for something to happen' reveals she doesn't have the foundational principles established that will manifest the answers she needs.

For instance, long stances of praying should be only undertaken when you’re trying to determine why things aren’t moving i.e. what issues that need to be resolved, but not to get God to move. That’s what faith is for. You receive through faith and not praying alone. Prayer has its part but it must be done in faith. You can have faith without prayer and get results but never prayer without faith. The bible teaches that the prayer of faith will heal the sick and the Lord shall raise him up. It’s the prayer full of faith that will get results. So even when you pray, faith must be present or your prayers will be empty words. Faith is the currency in receiving what you need from God and not prayer alone.

And another thing, Bella's lack of understanding of the use of prayer while believing for a mate may be the reason why years are slipping by without having the relationship God planned for her. The fact is every day that she spends without the relationship she longs for is a day -- in God's eyes-- that the answer has already been provided.

Second, her statement about 'waiting for something to happen' is another clear indication that she's not cooperating with God in order to see the results she wants. What I would tell Bella is she's never waiting on something to happen. She's either in faith or she is not. If she's in faith then her demeanor would be different. She would be in full expectation, watching for God to bring her answer. If too much time has gone by without much progress, waiting on God is still not the way to go. If, in fact, too much time has gone by without results, then she isn't waiting on God but God is waiting on her. He is waiting on her to seek His face to find out what is holding up the answer.

In one of Kenneth E. Hagin's book (Bible Faith Study Course, pg 158) which I have found to be true is what He reported what Jesus said in an open vision. I am paraphrasing but Jesus told him that if the believer doesn't do anything about his situation, then nothing will be done. He said it is up to the believer to change his/her situation. In fact, He said praying to Him to give them the victory is to waste your time.

Third, Bella's word choice shows that she really doesn't have any confidence in her praying as indicated by being unable to clearly articulate what she is believing God for. You have to meditate on the Word until it gets in your heart to the point where you know the Word is true and you know God has heard and answered your prayer even though you can't see it. When you truly take the position that seeing it is only a small technicality, you'll soon see the answer to your prayers.

Fourth, Bella's words reflect her attitude that she has little or no confident expectation that anything will happen. If a friend told you they were coming by to see you later today and you believed them, you not only would be expecting them but you would begin making preparations for their arrival. If the house was messy, you would probably clean it up. If your clothes were wrinkled, you would probably change into something more decent. All without giving you a time of their arrival, you would take action simply on their word. It is the same with God. If you really believed Him, you would make preparations for what you are expecting. If you can take the word of your friend and act on it, surely you can take the Word of God and do the same. So Bella's lack of confident expectation shows she really doesn't believe God because she's not taking Him at His Word.

Fifth, Bella's lackadaisical attitude shows she has neither been confessing the Word nor standing on any particular scripture. Because had she been in the Word, she would have been able to give John scripture and verse as to why she knows she has received her mate.

And last, it is clear that she is not operating in faith again as she is waiting for something to happen. A person full of faith believes they have it now even though they can't see it. This person also knows that you have to believe you receive it; then you have it as Jesus taught in Mark 11:23.

Therefore if Bella continues on this path without making the necessary adjustments in her attitude and faith, her chances are slim to none that she'll ever see the manifestation of her petition.

In closing, if you are exhibiting any of the characteristics stated above, take time right now to correct it. Because I am sure, you don't want to get the same lack luster results that Bella is getting.

If you would like a more expanded study of what to do as you believe for your mate, get the ebook, 'How to Receive Confirmations'. It gives insight on how to walk in expectation as you believe for the manifestation of your mate and what it’s like to be on the receiving end of God bringing someone into your life.†