ANSWERED PRAYER

If you are like most of us I’m sure you have wondered more than once why your prayer went unanswered. Or did they? Maybe no answer was an answer. God knows what is best for His children, and as long as we continue to believe and trust in Jesus, know that He cares for all of us more than we can ever know. His love and faithfulness is always there. We are the ones who lose faith, and lack the needed trust Jesus wants you to have.

The Bible tells us that the prayers of a righteous person are both powerful and effective. The passion of Jesus and his suffering on the cross for our sins was the greatest sacrifice that had been bestowed on mankind. It is through this sacrifice that we are blessed with righteousness, and the grace we need to live out our lives in a fruitful and loving way.

So how can we know that our prayers will be answered? The Bible tells us so. God cannot lie, and His word tells us that our prayer will be answered. For example, in John 17:7 we read: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24). Philippians 4:6 tells us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” In Psalm 66:18 it tells us: “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;)

As you can see the Bible is full of scriptures that promise us answers to our prayers. To insure the best outcomes for our prayers we also need to do our part. Some of the things required of us are mentioned above in the Bible verses I sighted earlier. I’ll discuss them shortly. But first let me say this. We are far from perfect, and we make mistakes. We can only do our best.

First, keep the word of God in your heart. God’s word is Love, God is Love, and the Word of God is speaking to us. When we have love in our heart, Jesus and the Spirit are with us and there is no space or place for sin to exist, and according to scripture God listens. Second, we must believe with all our heart and soul that God is listening and will answer our prayers. Third, we must stay calm, relaxed, when we pray, and at the end of our prayers give thanks to God for listening, and trust that He will answer in due time. I believe if we follow these guidelines our prayers will be answered. Why? “If God said it, I believe it, that settles it.” (Smith Wigglesworth).

As we continue to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically, my hope is that more and more of your prayers get answered. Remember that God has your best interest in mind, and He knows what is best for you and for me. With blessing and love, Godspeed. Carbie