THAT YE MAY KNOW

What Does it Mean to Know?

[I] cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know... Eph. 1:16-18

This is a very important scripture, in that it explains how true knowledge is arrived at. Paul was writing about a prayer he prayed for the church at Ephesus. He prayed that God would grant them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God. Paul prayed for the operation of the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Notice he did not pray for intelligence. Neither did he pray for strong reasoning power that they may be able to contain in their minds that knowledge of God. He prayed for something they could not possess naturally. He prayed for what only God could provide: the spirit of wisdom and revelation.

...that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. Eph. 1:18,19.

You may also like to read: MAN, KNOW THY GOD

WHEN YE PRAY

Another area in which faith is required is prayer. When you mention prayer, every Christian seems to have an idea about it. We know about laying our petitions before God. We know we can ask God concerning the things we need. But the truth of the matter is that many Christians do not really believe God will answer their prayers. The worst group of people are those who are not really sure whether God hears them or not. And because of that many prayers go unanswered. As a result many Christians have lost faith in prayer. They pray just for praying sake but do not believe they will receive answers. How did I come to this conclusion?

 Many Christians forget they have asked God concerning their need. Though surprising, this is actually true. Think about it. How many times do believers keep asking God for a particular need because they forget they have already asked?  Why would you ask again for a need when you believe God heard you and answered you the first time you prayed? Those who believe God answered their prayer do not go to him over and over again for the same need. Honestly, if you really believe God heard and answered your prayer, you would have it in mind that it is done and not forget. These are signs of unbelief and will not get anything from God. Many people also, even when they finish praying continue to talk as if there is no hope. They continue to talk their fears even when they have prayed about them. They continue to look to themselves for solutions even when they have asked God for the solutions. But it must not be so.