Many thanks to Bible or Not reader Angela for today’s quote about the connection between prayer and faith.  This modern-day anecdote almost sounds like a Bible proverb, but it comes from a song written by Samuel T. Scott and Robert L. Sande nearly 60 years ago. Since this song and quote has been a blessing to others, my hope is to simply pass that blessing along.

“Prayer is the key to heaven, but faith unlocks the door.” – Samuel T. Scott and Robert L. Sande

Here are the complete lyrics to Faith Unlocks the Door by Samuel T. Scott, including the extra words that have been added by recording artists such as Carroll Roberson, Jake Hess, The Cathedrals, and other old time gospel musicians. Also included below is a more recent video recording of the song, a beautiful a capella version, by a young choir from the Fountainview Academy.

Prayer is the Key to Heaven, Faith Unlocks the Door
Complete Lyrics

Prayer is the key to Heaven,
But faith unlocks the door;
Words are so easily spoken,
But prayer without faith
Is like a boat without an oar.

Have faith when you speak to the Master,
That’s all he asks you for;
Prayer is the key to Heaven,
But faith unlocks the door.

(Instrumental and optional extra words)
How many times have you prayed,
For something big or small?
How long did you have to wait,
Or did the answer ever come at all?
Words are mere expressions of thought,
And nothing more.
Believing is what really counts my friend,
And faith is what unlocks the door.

Have faith when you speak to the Master,
That’s all he asks you for;
Prayer is the key to Heaven,
But faith unlocks the door.

A Capella Version of Faith Unlocks the Door

The original copyright for “Faith Unlocks the Door” was registered by Samuel T. Scott in January of 1955 and later in that year a new registration added Robert L. Sande to the credits of authorship as “(Prayer is the key to heaven) faith unlocks the door”.

Faith is an interesting thing. The Bible calls it the substance (meaning foundation) of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. So, it is that thing that gives the believer strength and hope in God, and it is a witness to others (i.e. the evidence) that the unseen God of the universe is real and true.

“For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don’t believe, no proof is possible.” – Stuart Chase,  American Economist

But is the evidence of faith enough to be considered proof? Today’s quote implies that in matters of faith, proof is irrelevant.

In Jesus’ day, even though he performed irrefutable miracles, there were still many who would not believe in Him as the Messiah, the Son of God, the Savior of the world. They may have acknowledged that a man who was lame was healed and able to walk, but this would not lead to faith. This type of response is not because of a lack of proof, it is the evidence of the spirit of unbelief.

Today is no different. I have heard of many miracles from spiritual brothers and sisters of cancer that “mysteriously” disappeared, of the blocked artery that was found to be cleared, of the brain tumor that was here yesterday but gone today, of the food that showed up on the doorstep, of the helpful person that was there and then disappeared, and the list goes on. In every case, when I hear about the evidence of the love and power of God, there are those who embrace it, those who would like to believe, and those who refuse to believe. Each response is not due to the evidence or proof available, it is rather the revealing of each person’s belief system.

We all act out of faith – every action of every person is directed by what they believe in.

The biggest miracle of all is the miracle of a changed life. What more proof do we need that God is real? We read in the 11th chapter of Hebrews about the faith of the saints, and how God performed great works in their lives by such faith. The following chapter then begins with the proper response of one who believes:

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV

For those who have a heart to believe, our response to the evidence of God in the lives of those around us is that we would turn our eyes upon Jesus and the salvation He gives. And for those who already believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, such proofs are not necessary since we have Him already in our hearts. Lastly, there are those that regardless of the evidence or proof, it will not lead to faith. Stuart Chase was correct when he said, “For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don’t believe, no proof is possible.”

Stuart Chase was an American economist and engineer born in 1888; you can learn more about him on Wikipedia.

How many times have you heard someone say to “let go and let God”? This popular quote usually comes up when we are worrying or being anxious about something. You would think it’s in the Bible, but not only is it not in the Bible, I couldn’t even find its origin.

“Let Go and Let God.” – Unknown Origin

Even though today’s quote is NOT found in the Bible, it IS based upon Biblical principles. We are to walk by faith and not by sight, and that is the crux of letting go and letting God – we let go of what we can see and know, and let God direct our paths trusting that all things work together for our good.

Bible Verses on Letting Go

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. – Philippians 4:6 NKJV

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. – John 14:1 NKJV

Bible Verses on Letting God

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. – Matthew 6:33 NKJV

Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. – Psalm 37:5

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. – Proverbs 3:6 NKJV

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. – Hebrews 10:23 NKJV