Can you comment on getting prayers answered?
Introduction. Prayer is a very important subject in the spiritual life of a faithful Christian. Part of prayer is "telling" - offering praise to God and expressing thankfulness for His blessings. But part of prayer is "asking" - making requests for various spiritual and physical things.
Reasons for praying. Prayer is commanded by God of His children (1 Thes. 5: 17). Christians pray to obtain forgiveness (Luke 11: 4; 1 John 1). Through prayer, wisdom can be obtained (Jas. 1: 5). Prayer can result in deliverance from evil and to find help in time of need (Luke 11: 4, Heb. 4: 16).
Some conditions of answered prayer. Here are a few of the stated conditions for answered prayer: one must pray in belief (Jas. 1: 6), unselfishly (Jas. 4: 3-4), and in Christ's name (John 15: 7-8). According to the scriptures, prayer is a privilege of only those who are obedient (1 John 3: 21-23).
Some hindrances to answered prayer. Family problems can hinder prayer (1 Pet. 3: 7). One who fails to forgive another can also expect his prayer to go unanswered (Matt. 6: 12, 14, 15). Lack of repentance and idols in one's heart can hinder prayer (Isa. 59: 1; Ezek. 14: 3-4).
Remember, the answer isn't always "yes". Sometimes God's answer to the prayers of the faithful is “no”, or “not yet”, or “here is something better” (Matt. 26:36-46; 2 Cor. 12:7-10). This is because God knows the future and knows what's really best for us (Isa. 55:8). That is why you often see expressions like “if the Lord wills” in scripture (Rom. 1:10; Rom. 15:32; 1 Cor. 4:19; James 4:15).
Conclusion. As we see from the scriptures, there are a number of stated reasons for prayer. We also see some conditions and hindrances of answered prayer. Do you enjoy the privilege of answered prayer?
Reasons for praying. Prayer is commanded by God of His children (1 Thes. 5: 17). Christians pray to obtain forgiveness (Luke 11: 4; 1 John 1). Through prayer, wisdom can be obtained (Jas. 1: 5). Prayer can result in deliverance from evil and to find help in time of need (Luke 11: 4, Heb. 4: 16).
Some conditions of answered prayer. Here are a few of the stated conditions for answered prayer: one must pray in belief (Jas. 1: 6), unselfishly (Jas. 4: 3-4), and in Christ's name (John 15: 7-8). According to the scriptures, prayer is a privilege of only those who are obedient (1 John 3: 21-23).
Some hindrances to answered prayer. Family problems can hinder prayer (1 Pet. 3: 7). One who fails to forgive another can also expect his prayer to go unanswered (Matt. 6: 12, 14, 15). Lack of repentance and idols in one's heart can hinder prayer (Isa. 59: 1; Ezek. 14: 3-4).
Remember, the answer isn't always "yes". Sometimes God's answer to the prayers of the faithful is “no”, or “not yet”, or “here is something better” (Matt. 26:36-46; 2 Cor. 12:7-10). This is because God knows the future and knows what's really best for us (Isa. 55:8). That is why you often see expressions like “if the Lord wills” in scripture (Rom. 1:10; Rom. 15:32; 1 Cor. 4:19; James 4:15).
Conclusion. As we see from the scriptures, there are a number of stated reasons for prayer. We also see some conditions and hindrances of answered prayer. Do you enjoy the privilege of answered prayer?