2 Corinthians 10:13-16 “We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us--a sphere which especially includes you. (14) For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; (15) not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, (16) to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's sphere of accomplishment.”
In this section we want to discuss the limitations that God has placed on the prayer of faith. So what do I mean by that statement? What that statement means, is that the prayer of faith will only work inside our own spheres of influence. In the above quoted passage of scripture the apostle Paul revealed that God had given his ministry its own sphere of influence, and Paul recognised that his authority did not extend into another man’s sphere of influence. That same principle can be applied in our personal lives as well. In other words we too, only have authority within the spheres of influence that God has appointed to us. So how does that truth impact the prayer of faith? It means that the prayer of faith will only produce results for those who fall within our spheres of authority. Having said that however; it is possible to pray the prayer of faith outside our sphere of authority, but that would require the co-operation of the person that we are praying for by using the prayer of agreement (Matthew 18:19), which we will not discuss at this time as that prayer falls outside the scope of this teaching.
Matthew 9:27-30 “When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, "Son of David, have mercy on us!" (28) And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord." (29) Then He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be to you." (30) And their eyes were opened.”
So what are our spheres of authority where the prayer of faith will produce results? Our first sphere of authority obviously begins with ourselves. In the above quoted example the two blind men were asking the Lord Jesus for healing for themselves. Obviously they were asking in faith, for our Lord clearly stated that they would receive according to their faith. Both men received their eyesight as a result of their prayer of faith. And so this example clearly shows us that when the prayer of faith is prayed for oneself, it will never fail to receive from God.
Mark 5:22-42 “And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet (23) and begged Him earnestly, saying, "My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live." (24) So, Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him. … (35) While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" (36) As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid; only believe." (37) And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. (38) Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. (39) When He came in, He said to them, "Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." (40) And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. (41) Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, "Talitha, cumi," which is translated, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." (42) Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.”
The second sphere of authority that believers have is in their immediate families, i.e. parents, children and siblings. Firstly we will discuss a parent’s authority over their children. In the above quoted example, Jairus’ prayed the prayer of faith on behalf of his daughter, which resulted in her being raised from the dead and being healed. Clearly this example shows us that parents can pray the prayer of faith for their children. However, with regards to parents praying the prayer of faith for their children, this prayer will only work until the child reaches the age of thirteen. After the age of thirteen, God no longer classifies them as children and He expects them to exercise their own faith for themselves. From the age of thirteen onwards, parents can pray the prayer of agreement with their children, which produces the same results as the prayer of faith, but parents will no longer be able to receive the promises of God on behalf of their children by just using their own faith. In the above example Jairus’ daughter was twelve years old; and so Jesus could answer Jairus’ prayer of faith made on behalf of his daughter. Nevertheless God is not unjust, and if a child over the age of thirteen is unable to pray the prayer of faith for themselves, due to adverse circumstances such as severe illness for example, then God will answer the parent’s prayer of faith prayed on their behalf. All other prayers made by parents on behalf of their children over the age of thirteen still prevail however, such as the prayer of intercession for example, bearing in mind that in this series we are only discussing the prayer of faith.
Michael E.B. Maher
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