Conditions for prayer
John Wesley
18th Century
Highlights the need for a pure heart and obedience alongside faith.
Matthew Henry
17th-18th Century
Focuses primarily on faith in God's promises, linking it to Christ's merits.
Verse Smart · Commentary comparison
Mark 11:24 Commentary
What do the great Christian commentators say about Mark 11:24? Below is a side-by-side look at how Matthew Henry, John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, Albert Barnes, and John Wesley read this passage — where they agree, where they diverge.
Mark 11:24 · WEB
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
What the commentators agree on
- All commentators agree prayer is answered by God.
- All commentators emphasize the vital role of faith in receiving answers to prayer.
- All agree that belief in receiving the answer is key to prayer's effectiveness.
Where they differ slightly
Summaries are AI-rendered overviews of public-domain commentaries (Henry, Calvin, Spurgeon, Barnes, Wesley). Always consult primary sources for study.
Each commentator on Mark 11:24
Matthew Henry
17th-18th Century
Henry emphasizes that God hears and answers earnest prayer, especially when it aligns with His will. He connects this promise to faith, urging believers to trust God's promises and believe they have received what they ask for. This belief is not presumption but a confident hope rooted in God's faithfulness and the merits of Christ.
“Faith is the condition for receiving from God in prayer.”
John Calvin
16th Century
Calvin highlights the importance of true faith in prayer, which involves believing that God is able and willing to grant what is asked, according to His Word. He cautions against empty or superstitious wishes, stressing that prayers must be directed by God's promises and offered with a sincere heart. This confidence comes from knowing we have access to God through Christ.
“God answers prayers that have faith in His promises.”
Charles H. Spurgeon
19th Century
Spurgeon strongly encourages believers to have unwavering faith in God's power to answer prayer, seeing the promise as a guarantee. He repeatedly stresses that the key is to believe we have received what we prayed for, even before seeing it. This faith is not about the strength of the believer but the faithfulness of God.
“Believe you have received when you pray, and it will be yours.”
Albert Barnes
19th Century
Barnes explains that the promise is tied to praying in accordance with God's will, emphasizing that true faith believes God's promises are fulfilled. He views this as a powerful encouragement to pray with confidence, knowing that God is gracious and responsive. The assurance of receiving comes from trusting God's character and His revealed intentions.
“Pray in faith, believing that God's promises are sure.”
John Wesley
18th Century
Wesley underscores that the promise of answered prayer is for those who pray in faith, fully trusting God. He connects this faith to a pure heart and a life lived in obedience to God, suggesting that genuine faith flows from a right relationship with God. The essence is believing that God has already granted what is asked, making it a present reality in the spirit.
“Faithful prayer, offered with a pure heart, receives from God.”