My dear brothers and sisters, the words you speak in prayer carry immense power.

They can bring peace, miracles, and blessings, or they can inadvertently block God’s work in your life.

God listens to every word, but He is also a God of truth, faith, and expectation.

When doubt, fear, or hesitation creep into our prayers—even subtly—they limit His power.

The first word to avoid is “impossible.

 

Stop Saying These 3 Words When You Pray – Cardinal Tagle Reveals the Truth  - YouTube

 

” How often do we say, “It is impossible for me to succeed,” or “It is impossible to forgive”? Such words put limits on God, the Creator of all things.

Jesus said in Mark 9:23, “All things are possible to him who believes.

” Saying “impossible” contradicts God’s nature and blocks His power.

The second word is “maybe.

” This subtle word introduces doubt.

 

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Saying, “Maybe God will answer my prayer,” keeps your heart in hesitation.

God desires faith, courage, and confidence, not uncertainty.

Doubt and faith cannot coexist; “maybe” diminishes the fullness of God’s power.

The third word is “if.

” Phrases like “Lord, heal me if it is your will,” or “Help me if you can,” reveal hesitation and incomplete surrender.

God is always willing and able.

Using “if” questions His willingness and limits the abundance He desires to pour into your life.

 

Cardinal Tagle – Illumina Domine Blog – Devotion to The Holy Face

 

These words aren’t evil, but they come from fear and doubt, creating obstacles between you and God’s blessings.

Prayer is not merely asking; it is declaring faith, hope, and trust with a heart fully open to the Almighty.

Consider the story of a woman praying for her sick son.

She kept saying, “Lord, heal him if it is possible,” and saw no change.

When she shifted to, “Lord, I believe you will heal my son,” healing came swiftly.

Her words had blocked her faith; once removed, God’s power flowed freely.

 

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To pray effectively, replace these limiting words with faith-filled declarations.

Instead of “impossible,” say, “Lord, I trust you to make a way.

” Instead of “maybe,” say, “I believe you are protecting my family.

” Instead of “if,” say, “I surrender and trust your perfect plan.

A practical exercise: each morning, write down challenges you feel are impossible, then rewrite them as statements of faith.

Speak these declarations aloud, allowing your heart to align with God’s power.

Speak clearly and specifically.

Instead of vague requests, declare precise needs and trust God’s provision.

Gratitude is essential; thanking God before answers arrive shows faith and opens the door for blessings (Philippians 4:6).

 

Cardinal Tagle urges Asian Catholics to become pilgrims like 'The Magi' -  UCA News

 

Prayer must be accompanied by faith in action.

If you pray for work, prepare yourself.

If you pray for healing, care for your body.

Faith-filled words combined with clear actions invite God’s power.

Persistence matters.

Like the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8, never give up praying boldly, even if answers seem delayed.

Your words shape your heart; faith-filled prayers strengthen your spirit and invite miracles.

 

Cardinal Tagle urges Asian Catholics to become pilgrims like 'The Magi' -  UCA News

 

Speak prayers out loud to reinforce your belief and train your mind.

The spoken word carries life and power, inviting God’s action.

Pray not only for yourself but for others, creating a ripple effect of God’s power in your community (Matthew 18:20).

Visualization enhances prayer.

Picture your healing, provision, or answered prayer as already done.

Feel the joy and peace as if God has already moved.

Jesus taught in Mark 11:24 to believe you have received what you ask for.

 

Cardinal Tagle urges Asian Catholics to become pilgrims like 'The Magi' -  UCA News

 

Declarations are powerful: “I declare my family is protected,” “I declare my health restored,” spoken with expectation and certainty.

Pray with emotion and intensity.

God responds to sincere hearts.

Like Elijah’s fiery prayer on Mount Carmel, your prayers can carry power when spoken with conviction.

Always align your prayers with God’s will, surrendering fully while praying boldly.

Cardinal Tagle urges Asian Catholics to become pilgrims like 'The Magi' -  UCA News