The good news is that we don't have to muster faith. God works in us to have faith and He works in us to pray. When I have hit the dry spell (and I have had many), the only solution I have found is to once again ask God how to pray and to guide me in my asking and seeking. James says He WILL NOT turn us down in such a request. It's like starting over again from scratch, but that is what has to happen if we are to grow.
As far as actions are concerned, if you don't think prayer is hard work, try it. Bolstered and instigated by God, to be sure, but nevertheless prayer is an action. While the process of prayer takes place, and the battle is won in heavenly places (spiritual battle against great forces) we are spoken to and moved by God to do His will in an attitude of obedience. If we are obedient enough to pray, then of course we will be obedient enough to act, and more so the more we pray. Elijah is a great example.

This is one of those articles that sounds good, until you start trying it in real time. After all, There are a lot of people who are believing and praying right now in Lebanon, Iraq, and other places where Christians are the minoroty in a Muslim country. In the meantime, we in the U.S. are oblivious to the needs of our brethren in these troubled countries, and only view that country from the impact that it has upon OUR interests, our oil, our peace of mind, etc.

I think that after we have believed God, and after we have prayed, there is often a need for us to, as the hands, feet, etc, ACT. This we are loath to do, especially if it involves challenging our political idols.

What most Christians fail to realize is that there are two sides to the coin of “all things are possible with God” (Matt. 19:26). One side of the coin says, “All things are possible with God.” But when you turn the coin over it says, “All things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23).

Most Christians also fail to realize that faith produces action James 2:20 and 2:26 - Without works, faith is dead.

I have come across so many that are praying for revival but then choose to keep going along with the current status quo as opposed to realizing that the curent status quo has not and will not produce revival.

While I am attempting to bring Christians together at yevotas.com for the specific purpose of realizing Christ's desire that we be one even as He and the Father are one, John 17:22, I have yet to find Christians that will financially support the work of revival that I am called to do.

This shows me a lack of faith, not one of faith.

Scott

This is such an interesting article because it says a lot about the way we pray. We often put a leash on God and believe that he can't or won't come through with the miracle that we need.

While we recognize the need for prayer and belief, one might find themselves asking, "how do I believe? how do I muster up the faith that is required?"

I was considered a 'prayer warrior' for a long time in my church. I was involved in the prayer ministry and our evangelism ministry. Prayer was my lifeline and I was good at it. But somewhere along the way, something happened. I had seen the work of God in my life and the life of others - but something was different now. My prayer life began to go through a dry spell. Soon, my faith was suffering too. I continue to stay in the Word, and listen to sermons, attend church when I can, but the question remains....how did my faith relinquish? How do I get it back? How does one believe and acquire faith if not through some intervention from God?

I don't think I could have heard a more timely message. This is definitely a message we as Christians need to hear, understand and believe. Sometimes situations look so impossible, yet nothing is impossible for God. We need to stop looking at circumstances and believe in the awesome power of our creator.