Praying with faith and belief

Matthew 21:22  "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Jesus' statement above seems too good to be true.  We can really receive whatever we ask for in prayer?  Notice, though, what come before this part of the statement... "if you believe".   What does belief mean in this context?  Does belief simply mean we believe He hears us when we pray?  Does it mean that we believe He can and will arrange circumstances to grant what we pray for? 

Yes to both of these.  Both a belief that He hears us and a belief that He can and will do what we ask are major components of faith.  Faith flows from a changed heart and the infusion of the Holy Spirit.  This faith grows and becomes true belief as we follow, obey and draw closer to Christ. 

Many might read Jesus' statement as if it were a blank check just waiting for us to fill in the amount.  It could be interpreted as Jesus being compelled to grant any request, whether it is truly for our benefit or detriment.  But the belief and faith He says must first be present stems from a level of Christian maturity where our desires and requests are closely aligned with His will. 

We usually know when we are asking God to provide something or do something that isn't aligned with His value system.  When we know this, we don't pray with the same level of belief and faith that is required.  Only when we know His will and His divine character do we pray for things that align with His will and character.  And only when we pray with this alignment do we pray with the type of belief and faith the He honors.