Last time I wrote about the importance of an attitude of helplessness for effective prayer.   In his classic writing entitled “Prayer” O. Hallesby states that “Prayer and helplessness are inseparable.  Only those who are helpless can truly pray.” 

But he also mentions a second aspect in our attitude for effective prayer—Faith.  Hebrews 11:6 states “And it is impossible to please God without faith." This can be intimidating to me because of the reality of who I am.  Different Bible passages talk about the importance of praying in faith (Matthew 8:13; 21:21-22; John 11:40; James 1:6-8).   When I am honest, it is hard for me to pray without doubt.  And with this in mind, praying effective prayers can seem totally out of reach.

A man once brought his son to Jesus to be healed (Mark 9:14-30).  He was not sure that Jesus could help.  Jesus’ response to him was “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?...Anything is possible if a person believes.”

The father then cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”  The prayer that condemned itself as unbelief was actually revealing the faith that existed in the man.  Jesus could act on that faith by healing the man’s son.   That needs to be my earnest cry in prayer as well. 

It is through my helplessness and doubts that a door is opened to Jesus.  My faith is somehow strengthened by God when I am truly honest with Him--even with my doubts.  Honesty is what He is looking for in a prayer life.  It is letting Jesus into the heart in such a way that He can truly fulfill the hearts desire.