The omnipotence of faith.
The miracles of Jesus were generally miracles of mercy. There are a few exceptions. Conspicuous amongst these is the withering of the fig tree with a word. When the disciples marvelled Jesus expounded to them his astonishing doctrine of the power of faith. We learn—
I. THAT BELIEVING IS ESSENTIAL TO PREVAILING PRAYER.
1. There can be no prayer without faith in a personal God.
2. There can be no prayer without faith in a Person susceptible to human appeals.
3. Faith is active in successful prayer.
II. THAT BELIEVING PRAYER IS INFALLIBLY EFFECTIVE.
1. Because God has pledged himself to it.
2. But how is the infallible effectiveness of believing prayer reconciled with the wisdom of God?
3. But how can efficacy in prayer comport with the uniformity of nature's processes?
III. THAT PRAYER FAILS THROUGH THE INFLUENCE OF CONDITIONS INIMICAL TO ACTIVE FAITH.
1. As when the matter of the suit is unwise.
2. As when the motive is unworthy of the suit.
3. As when the disposition of the suppliant is inconsistent with sincerity.