Blackaby Ministeries International

Praying but Not Believing

Praying but Not Believing

When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, "You are beside yourself!" Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, "It is his angel." (Acts 12:14-15)

You can say prayers in your mind but doubt in your heart. At times God will answer such prayers as He did when Peter was in prison, scheduled for execution. The believers in Jerusalem were powerless to free him, so they prayed. When God released Peter, their reaction revealed the doubt in their hearts. They argued that Peter could not possibly be free, even as he stood outside knocking on_the door!

Is it possible to be a “person of prayer” and yet not have faith? Is it possible to fool yourself into believing that because you ask God for help, you have faith in His ability to meet your needs? Is your faith so weak that you are surprised when God answers your prayer? As a child of God, you ought to expect God to answer your prayers. Do you ask God to do something without adjusting your life to what you are praying? If you are praying for revival, how are you preparing for its coming? If you are praying for forgiveness, are you still living with guilt? If you have_asked God to provide for your needs, do you remain worried and anxious?

Ask God to increase your faith and then begin living a life that reflects absolute trust in Him. Out of His grace, God may choose to respond to your requests despite your lack of faith, but you will miss the joy of praying in faith.


Henry and Marilynn Blackaby served in churches in California before serving 18 years in Canada where they saw many new churches begun. They raised their five children in Canada. It was also at that time that God taught the Blackabys the truths concerning walking with God that would eventually become the basis for the best selling book, Experiencing God. Raised in that environment, all five children sensed a unique call of God into ministry. Their oldest son, Dr. Richard Blackaby currently serves as President of Blackaby Ministries International and resides in Greenville, South Carolina. Dr. Thomas Blackaby is the former senior pastor of the North Sea Baptist Church in Stavanger, Norway and now is Director of International Ministries for Blackaby Ministries International. He and his family reside in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. Dr. Melvin Blackaby is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Jonesboro, Georgia. Dr. Norman Blackaby is a professor at Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas. Carrie Blackaby-Webb is a career missionary serving in Germany.