Contradiction with James 4:3
This verse explains that prayers are unanswered because they are asked with wrong motives, which goes against the unconditional promise in Matthew 21:22.
James 4:3: Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts. [lusts: or, pleasures]
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Paul’s request for his thorn to be removed is denied by God, indicating not all prayers are answered as Matthew 21:22 suggests.
2 Corinthians 12:8-9: For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Contradiction with 1 John 5:14
It states that God hears us only if we ask according to His will, in contrast to the open-ended promise of receiving anything in prayer in Matthew 21:22.
1 John 5:14: And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [in: or, concerning]
Contradiction with Matthew 7:21
This verse notes that not everyone who calls on the Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, implying conditions that Matthew 21:22 does not express for answered prayers.
Matthew 7:21: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Contradiction with Psalm 66:18
If one's heart harbors sin, the Lord will not hear, implying a conditional aspect to prayers being answered, contrary to Matthew 21:22's promise.
Psalm 66:18: If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear [me]:
Paradox #1
Theological discussions often focus on whether prayers are always answered as requested, since this verse suggests that faith ensures answered prayers. Some argue this doesn't account for prayers that seem unanswered, raising questions about how faith, God's will, and prayer interact, potentially causing confusion or doubt about prayer efficacy.
Paradox #2
Some people see a contradiction in this verse because it promises that anything asked for in prayer with belief will be received. However, in real life, people often pray for things that don't happen, even if they truly believe. This can seem inconsistent with the promise made in the verse.
Paradox #3
The contradiction with this verse could be that it suggests anything is possible if you believe and pray for it. In reality, many things cannot happen just through belief and prayer because they are limited by natural laws and scientific principles. For example, gravity won't stop working just because someone believes it will.
Paradox #4
The potential contradiction in this verse could be the idea that just by asking and believing, you will receive anything, which might not align with teachings about working hard, being ethical, or divine will. It could be seen as conflicting with the notion that outcomes depend on more than just belief or prayer.