A man's confe(u)ssion with Mark 11:24

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received[a] it, and it will be yours.

As part of our Bible study group Shaun brought the topic of Mark 11:24. He was praying for a friend to become a Christian and it's not happening. We decided that we will go deeper on Mark 11:24 and discuss in  a week.

I was listening to John Piper and R.C.Sproul about Mark 11:24. 

Name it and claim it :

As a selfish human being I really like this one. It seems like a  blank check from GOD. It sounds like all I need is pray and believe that I will get it. It sounds almost like receiving from GOD's hands depends on my belief. I will go with GOD's decision and action in my life than GOD approving whatever comes in my small ,minute mind. Human thoughts usually leads to destruction. GOD always does what's good for HIS children. So HE won't allow things which will lead to destruction for HIS children. 

If we go with such logic than Mark 11:24 is not a blank check (i am thankful for it). Lot of my prayers never resulted in the same way I prayed. 

John Piper

John Piper sermon on Mark 11:24

John Piper during his prayer sermon on Mark11:24 explained that whatever is with condition and it's within God's will. He pointed towards next verse Mark 11:25 about prayers for revenge exclusion. I am still not convinced mainly with "believe that you have received" James 1:6 ,Hebrews 11:1 add more confusion to me