Jesus taught that if we ask for anything in his name, believing that we will receive it, we shall. But what does it truly mean to believe? What action does belief necessitate? Jesus provides insight into this in John 3:14–15, referencing Numbers 21:7–8. In the Old Testament passage, God instructed the Israelites, who were bitten by serpents, to look at a brass serpent on a pole to be healed. Jesus, however, reinterprets this: he presents himself as the remedy and replaces the act of looking with the act of believing, promising not mere physical healing but eternal life. This suggests that belief in Jesus is akin to looking to him.
This concept of “looking to Jesus” in prayer implies maintaining a steadfast focus on him. Crucially, for prayers to be answered, our gaze must remain fixed on him after we pray, preventing us from reverting to the problem that prompted our prayer. To experience the power of prayer, we must direct our thoughts heavenward, away from earthly concerns. Scripture reveals that dwelling on worldly matters leads to suffering, while focusing on Christ, seated at God’s right hand, brings deliverance. This requires a continuous and disciplined effort to bring every thought captive to Christ—not just during prayer. It is a moment-by-moment commitment. As we consistently practice focusing on the one who offers solutions rather than on the problems themselves, this discipline will become easier, drawing us closer to the God for whom all things are possible.