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Getting prayers answered

Muriel Larson

Why do some people get their prayers answered – and I don’t? Have you ever wondered about that?

When you have a problem, you may talk with some special Christian about it. “Pray for me,” you ask. If anyone can get an answer from God, you think, that person can.

But there’s no reason why all Christians can’t have the power with God that the Scriptures promise. The Lord loves every one of His children, for whom He paid the supreme sacrifice.

What conditions does God’s Word set down for answered prayer?

Repentance is necessary. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Obviously sin keeps some prayers from being answered. Bitterness, resentment, bad temper, anger and harsh words can grieve the Holy Spirit and come between us and God. How can we make things right? 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” When we are purified, we can look for answered prayers.

Righteousness is necessary. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James then gives the example of Elijah, who prayed it wouldn’t rain, and it didn’t rain for over three years. Righteousness refers to a daily, steady walk with the Lord. God had first place in Elijah’s heart, as He probably does in the hearts of those special people whom we ask for prayer. In their lives we see Christ. When others see Him in us, they will be asking us for prayer, too.

Forgiveness is necessary. Jesus said that when we pray, if we have anything against anyone, we are to forgive that person; then God can forgive our sins (Mark 11:25). It is hard to forgive some people for the way they have hurt us. I have found it possible to do so only by holding such destructive, self-centred feelings up to my Lord and saying, “Lord, take these hurtful things. I don’t want them any more. Cleanse me. I forgive everybody!”

Obedience is necessary. 1 John 3:22 says, “We . . . receive from Him anything we ask, because we obey His commands and do what pleases Him.” Obedience is the trademark of a righteous person. Obedience involves more than just conforming to a set of rules. It is being tuned into the Holy Spirit. God’s two great commandments are “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). Obedience to God isn’t hard when we truly love Him and others.

Sincerity is necessary. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

Agreement is helpful. Jesus said, “If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:19).

Persistence is helpful. Ephesians 6:18 says, “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

Faith is necessary. Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” When I’m praying, I often claim the promise that Jesus gave His followers: “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). Do we really believe that God can work in the lives of our unsaved loved ones in answer to our prayers? Do we believe God can help us work out our problems, get a job, pay the bills and get along with cantankerous relatives, co-workers and neighbours?

Here’s a promise you might like to memorize: “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this” (Psalm 37:4-5).

Muriel Larson lives in Greenville, S.C.

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Last modified December 11, 2000.

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