The Prayer of Faith
Apostle Joshua Selman – IMPACT 2024
March 16, 2024
Introduction
On March 16, 2024, at the impactful gathering of IMPACT 2024, Apostle Joshua Selman delivered a profound teaching on The Prayer of Faith. This message, rich with spiritual insights and practical applications, explored the dynamics of faith-driven prayers that yield results, highlighting their significance in the believer’s walk with God.
In his signature style, Apostle Selman combined scriptural exegesis with real-life examples, emphasizing that faith is the foundation for victorious Christian living and the primary means of engaging with God effectively.
The Definition of Faith
Apostle Selman began by laying a foundational understanding of faith, quoting Hebrews 11:1:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
He explained:
- Faith as Substance: Faith gives tangible form to unseen realities, allowing believers to experience the promises of God in their lives.
- Faith as Evidence: Faith acts as proof of the fulfillment of God’s Word, even before its physical manifestation.
He further stressed that faith is not merely optimism or positive thinking but a spiritual conviction rooted in God’s Word and His unchanging nature.
The Role of Prayer in Activating Faith
Apostle Selman elaborated that prayer is the channel through which faith is activated and released:
- Communication with God: Prayer is a conversation with God, aligning the believer’s will with His.
- Expression of Faith: When believers pray, they demonstrate trust in God’s ability to fulfill His promises.
- Authorization for Divine Intervention: Prayer gives God legal permission to intervene in earthly matters.
He referenced James 5:16-18, emphasizing that the “effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Key Elements of the Prayer of Faith
Apostle Selman highlighted the following principles that govern the prayer of faith:
1. Understanding God’s Will
- Faith begins where the will of God is known.
- The Word of God is the believer’s manual for understanding what God desires.
- Without knowledge of the Word, prayer becomes ineffective.
2. Conviction in God’s Character
- Faith requires confidence in God’s integrity, love, and power.
- He stressed the importance of seeing God as a Father who delights in answering prayers (Matthew 7:7-11).
3. Consistency and Persistence
- Apostle Selman warned against praying in doubt or inconsistency, referencing James 1:6-8:
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” - Persistent prayer is not about convincing God but about aligning oneself with His timing and purposes.
4. Speaking and Acting in Faith
- Faith is released through words and actions.
- Apostle Selman encouraged believers to declare God’s promises boldly and take steps that align with their prayers.
Hindrances to the Prayer of Faith
To ensure results, Apostle Selman identified potential obstacles to faith-filled prayers:
- Doubt and Unbelief: These act as spiritual brakes that hinder answers to prayer.
- Ignorance of the Word: A lack of scriptural knowledge leads to ineffective prayers.
- Unconfessed Sin: Sin creates a barrier between the believer and God, obstructing the flow of grace.
- Wrong Motives: Prayers driven by selfish desires will not yield results (James 4:3).
The Results of the Prayer of Faith
Apostle Selman provided powerful testimonies and biblical examples to illustrate the outcomes of faith-filled prayers:
- Healing and Miracles
- The prayer of faith brings healing, as evidenced in James 5:15:
“And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.”
- The prayer of faith brings healing, as evidenced in James 5:15:
- Supernatural Provision
- He recounted the miracle of the five loaves and two fishes (Matthew 14:13-21), emphasizing that faith unlocks divine resources.
- Deliverance and Breakthroughs
- Apostle Selman shared testimonies of people who experienced deliverance through persistent, faith-driven prayers.
- Transformation of Situations
- Faith-filled prayers have the power to change circumstances, as seen in the story of Elijah praying for rain after a prolonged drought (1 Kings 18:41-45).
Apostolic Charge to the Congregation
Apostle Selman concluded with an apostolic charge, urging believers to make the prayer of faith a lifestyle. He declared:
- “Faith is not an option for the believer; it is a necessity. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).”
- “The days of powerless prayers are over. Rise up, pray with boldness, and watch God perform wonders in your life!”
He led the congregation in a powerful session of prayer, activating their faith and declaring breakthroughs over their lives.
Takeaways from the Message
- Faith is the currency of the spirit realm and the basis for receiving answers to prayer.
- The effectiveness of prayer is tied to the believer’s understanding of God’s Word and unwavering trust in His promises.
- Obstacles like doubt, sin, and ignorance must be addressed to experience the full power of prayer.
- The prayer of faith transforms lives, situations, and territories, making it an indispensable tool for the believer.
Conclusion
The teaching on The Prayer of Faith by Apostle Joshua Selman at IMPACT 2024 was a clarion call for believers to step into a life of bold and effective prayer. Through faith, coupled with understanding and persistence, believers are empowered to access divine possibilities and manifest the purposes of God on earth.
As Apostle Selman declared:
“Faith-filled prayers are not just conversations with God; they are catalysts for divine manifestations. Dare to believe, and you will see the glory of God.”
This message will undoubtedly resonate as a timeless resource for individuals seeking to grow in their spiritual journey and live a life of victory through the power of faith.
