Getting Prayers Answered
Why do some people get their prayers answered–and I don’t? Have you ever wondered that? Have you ever wished that you could have a closer touch with God?
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 figure that person can.
But there’s no reason why all Christians can’t have the power with God that the Scriptures promise. For the Lord certainly loves every one of His children for whom He paid the supreme sacrifice. If you are His child through faith in Christ, that includes you.
What conditions does God’s Word set down for answered prayer? Let’s look at them.
- Repentance is necessary. Second 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 heal their land.”
Obviously sin keeps prayers from getting answered. But did you know that bitterness, resentment, bad temper, anger, and harsh words can come between us and God? The Bible says such things grieve the Holy Spirit. How can we make things right? First 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 cleansed, we can look for answered prayers.
Life Lesson: Time management
Are you still growing spiritually?: Check your compass and let God lead you
- Righteousness is necessary. James 5:16-b says, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Following this statement, God gave us an example of Elijah, whose prayer was answered. Elijah prayed it wouldn’t rain, and it didn’t rain for over three years! When he prayed for rain, down it came.Righteousness refers to a daily, steady walk with the Lord. We try not to let anything come between us and Him. God had first place in Elijah’s heart, as He probably does in the hearts of those we ask for prayer. In their lives we see Christ; when others see Him in us, they’ll be asking us for prayer.
- Forgiveness is necessary. Jesus said that when we pray, if we hold anything against anyone, we are to forgive that person; then God can forgive our trespasses (Mark 11:25).Sherry was sorry for things she had done wrong, so she asked the Lord to forgive her. But when she finished praying, guess what Sherry still held in her heart? Bitterness, anger, hostility…and unforgiveness toward a relative who had hurt her. Then she wondered why she still didn’t feel right with God!Hard to forgive some people for the way they have hurt us? Sure it is–for us! But I have found it possible to do so by holding such destructive, self-centered feelings up to my Lord and saying, “Lord, take these hurtful things. I don’t want them any more. Cleanse me. I just want your peace, joy, and love. I forgive everybody! “When I feel God’s peace, I know I can pray.
- Obedience is necessary. We read in First John 3:22, “…And [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. And obedience entails more than just conforming to a nice little set of cut-and-dried rules. It is part of being turned into the Holy Spirit. That’s where doing “those things that are pleasing in his sight” comes in.God’s two great commandments call for love, and they cover every relationship and every circumstance: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind….Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39).God’s command also lie in principles His Word sets forth, such as “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).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, “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.”
- Persistence is helpful. Ephesians 6:18 says, “And 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 saints.
- Faith is necessary. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And 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: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24).
Do you really believe God can work in the lives of unsaved and backslidden loved one’s life in answer to your prayers? Do you believe God can help you work out your problems, help you get a job, pays the bills, get along with cantankerous relatives, co-workers, or neighbors?
Then stand back and watch God work as you pray! It will thrill you!
And here’s a great 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, and he will do this” (Psalm 37:4-5).
To Claire Colvin Thanks for your reply,Yes I would like to be put in touch with a prayer mentor
Hi Carole, We have prayer mentors who could pray with you over this. Would you like me to put you in touch with one? (A mentor would pray for you and send you an email with the text of what they prayed. It is a free and private service.) Just comment back here if you’d like to pursue this.
My prayer is for my daughter and son-in-law who want a baby,unfortunately their last attempt at I.V.F as failed,they are in bits,their is no medical reason why they cannot conceive,or none that has been given,How I wish a miracle would happen and they could conceive naturally,their child would be loved and cherished.
Jamie
thank you for your word of advice and your prayer it met a lots .
I am going to take the resit on the 25 of July and I ask please for your prayer that this time god will favour me to pass. In Jesus amen
Thanks for the prayer bridgette, I saw the results yesterday and I failed.. I av been having sleepless night, thinking and crying… I still believe God can do it but I don’t know if its possible for God to change result even as I’m writing this my heart is heavy with pain pls pray for me
Dear Rike,
It sounds like you are needing comfort and peace from the Father. I pray that your mind would be able to rest in God as you wait for the results of your exam. The Lord is the Prince of Peace and in every situation no matter what the outcome you have the promise of peace. I pray that despite the test results your friends got that you would be able to walk in peace and that you would not fear your own test results. May the peace of God guard your heart and mind Rike. May all your thoughts be submitted to the Prince of peace and may your heart be at rest. In Jesus Name, Amen.
May I share with you an idea?
As you are waiting for your results, you could meditate on this scripture below. The word of God is so powerful and active. In this difficult situation that you are in (waiting can be painful) you can rely on God to thwart all fear or dread about the results of your exam.
“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6+7.
Pls pray for me
Lord help me the exam I have been praying for the results were released today buh mine was not my friends that have seen deirs failed ply help me let me pass when I finally see mine I believe in u and u will help me plssss God have mercy on me
dear faith prayer–father God i do pray for faith for her to get into this alternative high school that is her hearts desire i pray for a miracle for her i pray for favor and she will be accepted i pray that she can hear soon give her faith for this i pray all of this in JESUS name amen. i am praying for you God be with you at this time
I am praying that I get into an alternative high school. I’ve asked others to pray for me also. I really have faith in God that I can get in. I wasn’t accepted the first time… but it doesn’t mean I can’t try again !
Kat – It sounds like you have a very load to carry at the moment. Are you getting any support? Is there a pastor or someone at your church that you can talk to? We have mentors here that would be happy to pray with you if you like. All you need to do is fill out this form to request a mentor and a mentor will be in touch, usually within a couple of days. Mentoring is a free and private service. In the meantime, let me pray for you:
Father in Heaven, I’m here for Kat today. You know all of the heavy things that she is carrying. She needs help and I ask that you would send relief for her. She has been so diligent in her search for work, I pray that you would open a door. She needs a job Father, I pray that you would give her an amazing job, one that she can excel at, one that she is excited to go to work at every single day. I pray that you would put your hand on her Mom. If there is pain, relieve it, if there is deterioration, grant her grace. I do not know what the future holds but I pray that Kat and her Mom would have some really special time together in the weeks ahead. I pray that you would bring some extra help into Kat’s life, whether that’s someone to sit with her at the hospital, or some relief with her bills or even just a little time away where she can rest. She needs a refuge Father and I pray that you would provide for her. Give her a chance to catch her breath. Give her a good night’s sleep and I pray for a miracle in her finances. Make a way for her Father. Grant her your peace and a deep understanding of just how much you love her. In your name I pray, Amen
I have been dealing with a lot of heartache and stress. My mom is ill, my debt is out of control, and I’ve yet to get job offer on the tons I have applied for. I pray that God has a plan for me. I am feeling completely overwhelmed and depressed. I know that my mom’s situation will not get better, but I pray that I can find peace. I also pray that I can find a job that will help me get out of my financial hardships. Thank you.
Hi Mel, first of all you need to make sure that you prepared properly for the exam. If you studied well and made sure that you were ready for the exam God is able to help you recall those things that you studied and show that clearly in your exam. If you did not prepare well and hoped that God would reward your laziness, that is not going to happen.
Now if you did prepare well and prayed that God would help you but still you did not pass you can have confidence that God has something for you in all of this. Remember what Paul wrote, “For we know that in ALL THINGS God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) So even in this disappointment over the exam God has something good for you. Perhaps He wants you to prepare again for this exam to help you learn something that you missed the first time. Perhaps there is someone that you will meet the next time that you go through the course material that you will have a special impact on. The possibilities are limitless of how God will use this for your good but you can be sure that His promise has not changed. He will work this out for your good. Don’t let your expectation that the best for you should have been passing the exam get in the way of God’s best for you.
Lord God I pray for Mel and ask that you be an encouragement in this disappointing situation. I pray that Mel would grow to know you better through this and to become a testimony to Your faithfulness. I pray that in the next days that You would show Mel the next steps and that you would provide the strength and courage Mel needs to follow Your leading. Amen.
feeling at the moment, confuse I pray the God clarify my confusion in Jesus name. I am a nursing student and I pray for god to help me pass my exam as didn’t want to resit it, I also ask the church about 3 time and I myself pray and believe in faith. but I didnt not pas, what really when wrong.
@ Hurtone:
I was also hurt very much by my step son, and my husband, and I could not find peace in my heart anymore having lots and lots of resentment. I didn’t like the negative state of my mind, and did not know how to behave with my family who hurt me. Today in church I asked God to Forgive my step son for hurting me, and forgive my husband for hurting me, and I also asked God to forgive me for all wrongful things i’ve done to them to trigger such treatment. While praying in church, I felt in my heart that that was the only way to deal with this situation, nothing else I could do to find my own peace.
Right after the church my step son came to me, and asked me to forgive him for being mean to me, and explained to me why he snapped at me. I said I was also sorry, and we cried, and we hugged and we made peace for the first time in 9 years!!!!
So my two cents would be: the great way to forgive is to ask God to forgive them for whatever they’ve done wrong to you. If you find love to do so, it means you have already forgave.
I have been badly hurt but I don’t know how to forgive. The person never said sorry and i cant understand why i need to forgive that person. Its the hardest thing and for me the most unnatural thing to watch someone hurt me over and over again and i have to love that person. how can i love someone whodies wrong and chooses to say its right. I try but i cant and it hurts my heart so much.. please tell me how to forgive and love my enemies i dont know how i really don’t but itsholng me bacj
@caribgurl I understand that is is difficult to forget and get over the pain when someone has hurt us deeply. God and and will heal you through the Holy Spirit as it is important to understand that being a Christian is not just going to church but to ask Christ to forgive you of your sins and that he heal your heart. Otherwise the pain that is inside of you will never escape and you will always remember the hurt and find it difficult to forgive. God Bless…
I too experienced a lot of heartache years ago with Fabian. He is known as homeboy. I really thought he had changed his life because he became a christian. He comes across as everything that any woman would want but he is actually everything that every woman should stay away from. I just happened to google him and saw this. I thought twice before writing because i am not a spiritual person but my family prayed so hard for me to get over the pain. i know God exist. I called a friend to find out about him. I heard he works throughout the caribbean region now andevery island he goes to he does the same thing whil oriclaiming to be a christian. I do believe he needs prayers……. i cant believe this fter si many years it brings back all the memories…
Thank you Barbara Alpert for praying for me, God Bless
Dear lord god please will you answer my prayers thank you
Dear Cheryl, My heart goes out to both you and your husband during this time of struggle you are both in. It is good that you decided to reach out and ask for prayer. This is faith in action and God will bless you for such. May I pray for you at this time.
Dear Lord, You know the struggle that Cheryl and her husband are facing right now. They are in great need of jobs so they can pay the debt they are facing. May you supply for their needs as they do their part. You are a gracious God that hears our prayers and we trust that you will answer such request in your perfect timing. I ask that you would allow them to become above and not beneath the difficulties they are facing as husband and wife. May you bless them abundantly so they shall not barrow but be able to lend as your word promises. They are reaching out to you Father God whom is their ultimate source. May you open up job opportunites in the near future for the both of them. In Jesus name, Amen
Please pray for my husband and me to find jobs as we are really struggling and have lots of debts over us.
Please pray for my husband and me to find jobs as we are really struggling and have lots of debts over us. Tx Cherl
Good evening
Please pray for me to find a good job that will pay me better as I need a
Job so bad.I would like you also to pray for me to find
A good loving husband in my life I pray please
Pray for me.
Dear Grace and Jennifer
We would definitely love to pray for you, for your son, grace and for a job for you Jennifer. But we also have an awesome team of prayer mentors that would not only love to pray for you, but also would love to walk alongside of you on your journey. Just fill in the form on this page and an online mentor will email you back and pray for you as well. http://powertochange.com/discover/need-prayer/
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Grace and for Jennifer and their desire to bring their needs to you today. I pray for Grace’s eldest son who is under spiritual attack. Help him Lord to deal with his temper and not get angry. I pray that Jeremiah would come to know You in a personal way and that he would allow Your Holy Spirit to come in and control his life.
And for Jennifer Lord, I pray that You would guide her to the perfect job that you have for her. Show her the way to go Lord, and help her to listen to Your still small way as you guide and direct her.
Amen
please pray for me that I can find a good job that i would love, earn a good wage and be fullfilled, in Jesus name amen
please pray for eldest son who is under spirtually attack, My son named jeremiah is now in his Teens, alwyas losing his temper and getting ander. in my home i need swear it front of theg need . jeremiah needs support
Hi Tyler,
What a timely article Muriel Larson has written! The 8 conditions that God’s Word sets down are all very important. I just read them again, prayerfully. When the Holy Spirit is telling me who’s child I am and I know that I am blessed, then I do more thanking than asking. I may be interceding for someone, but usually not asking for myself. That brings me to the point of saying that maybe God is asking you to be content with what you have, and is not looking for you to give beyond your present ability. On the other hand, when there is a great need that the Lord has put on your heart, there could be some fund-raising done for a project.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that Tyler wants to do more. Direct him, I pray, to be in Your perfect will, and to give wisely as the Spirit leads him. Thank You for giving him a generous heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
All the best Tyler, as you continue to “be a good steward”.
Dear heavenly Father, I come to you today to thank you for allowing me to live another day. I also have one thing to request lord it is hard times out here for everyone lord I come to ask for riches but not to be selfish lord I only want to spread and do thy will. I feel money is an obstacle in my life I feel I can do much more if I had alot more I know you believe in me lord thats why you have mercy on me and I thank you for that. Lord trust me I will not let you down I promise. IN Jesus Name I pray. Amen!
Roy thanks for stopping by. We do have online prayer mentors that would love to join you in praying for your first home. Just click on the “need prayer” icon on the top right hand corner and a prayer mentor will email you in return.
Dear heavenly father i thank you for every day and every person in our lives,forgive all of us when we slip,keep us focused on you and my family and i pray in Jesus name that you please bless us with our first owned home,the one we’ve been praying and believing for.we know that we have whatever we ask for in prayer.thank you.
I’m glad you found our site and took the time to leave your prayers here on this article Kerry-Ann and Obinna. As I mentioned in an earlier comment, we also have online prayer mentors that are committed to praying for our visitor and would love to pray for you and email you personally. Just fill out the form on this page and they will be in touch with you by email. http://powertochange.com/experience/need-prayer/
I pray in the name of God Elohim through his son our lord Jesus Christ that I may get a good paying Job within 2 weeks and eventually start my own company in years to come from which I can gain enough money to help many lives in need and be an international figure. This i believe and pray for. Amen
Dear Lord, I come to you today humbly asking for your forgiveness. You and only you can see the true desires of my heart Dear Lord, I forgive all the hurt and pain I have gone through these past years in my life. I want to have a special relationship with you Father. I want You to enrich my life, I want to be whole and made in you. I want you to be there in every step towards my success, a protector, a husband, my everything. I truly want to just get out of this past way of living lies, abuse, depression, poverty and live a life filled with all that you have to offer me. I am ready to make bold moves in my life, clean loving relationships, progressive business decisions, and it can only be possibly through the almighty. I am ready Lord, I am ready to receive.
Dear Heavenly Father I lift Ann and Barry up to you right now,
Thank you that you know the situation Ann’s family finds themselves in right now. You are the God of the impossible and we know that you still do miracles today and every day. Help them to deal with the daily stress that is related to this Lord and may they run to You as their Shelter and their Shield as they wait.
For Barry’s son Luke, Lord would you touch him? Give him hope Lord and show him that even in his darkest moments You are there with him. Show Barry how to encourage his son and be a friend to him. Amen
Please know that you can also send in your prayer requests here at this form, http://powertochange.com/discover/need-prayer/ and one of our prayer mentors would love to pray for you and walk alongside of as you walk thru these challenges in your lives.
I ask for prayers for my son Luke . Luke is 16 years old and has depression.I ask that you pray for him and ask God to release him from his depression.
Dear Friends,
Our family is facing a tough/nearly impossible immigration situation right now. I ask that you all keep us in our prayers and that God my change our situation for the better. Please pray that our family manages to deal with the stress of it and that God’s will be served. Thank You.
dear hurtone– prayer–father God i pray for this person’s heart for your healing hand to come over her heart and i pray you can heal hurt hearts too you are the great physician also for this guy fabian nelson joseph for him to heal too and to open his eyes to see on what he did to this peson and for to him to ask forgivesness so repentance can happen give this person words to pray and for this peson who hurt this person i pray all of this in JESUS name amen i am praying for you love sharon
Hello Lilly,
I pray for you and your little girl. I pray that your heavenly Father will give you the awareness of his care and presence and that you will feel His love. I pray also that your husband will know the truth about this situation and will be discerning. I pray that God will also open doors of opportunities for you and that you will find the desire of your heart. I pray that you will be protected. God bless you!
Please pray for me and my gal(just 7 month) now., my husband neglected us coz of the lies said by his parents and sisters., he is not believing me totally. he and his family members really did lot of bad to my parents me and my brother, so please pray for us that my husband must come to know all the truth and the bad mind of his family members, also nw i need job for the safety of me and my baby, God please help us.,
Please pray for my broken heart to heal. Pray for the man Fabian Nelson Joseph, that has hurt me so bad that it seems to have been smashed up not just broken. It has been 6 months and I still cant see my way. I pray daily but maybe i was praying wrong. After reading your article i will change my approach to prayer. I pray that God may heal Fabian and we may once again be together but all my friends especially the christian ones think I am praying for the wrong thing but then i ask myself why are they doubting the power of GOD. HE IS CURRENTLY a very bad person who seems to have pride that he has hurt me and other women badly but I pray everyday for him because I know the power of God and I know he will be healed.
I pray that GOD will answer my prayer for this job. If it is his will, I and Bill will move forward and agree and things will be agreed on. I am blessed as God has been opening doors up all around me. I am just unsure which door he wants me to take :) I thank you father for being there and giving me choices. Please help me make the right one. If it is your will I will be working for Bill. I believe this will be a huge stepping stone for my career and everything I have ever wanted.
So VV,
I pray now for you that will work a miracle in your life. A miracle of Hope and that he will gently pick you up and bring you to a peaceful brook where you will be able to see Him for who He is. May He put His arms around you and show you His love. To show you that you are good enough for Him and that He already knows everything about you. He loves you
Hello VV,
My heart goes out to you as I know that God is the God of Hope. He is the Father to the hopeless. Can you see Him in your mind’s eyes reach down for you and pull you and make you into the likeness of Jesus Christ. He is making you more like him. I know it is small comfort when all these things are happening around you but God is in control despite of what it looks like. You can trust Him. He will never forsake you. He will never leave you. Your world may fall apart but God doesn’t. I know because I have been in that situation. I have been so depressed because my world felt like moving sand under my feet but I had to come to the realization that nothing in this world is tangible but only God is my Rock, my safe place, my security. He is the one we must hold on to and praise. So rise up little one and proclaim him and He will pick you up from the miry clay and make you into a shelter for others to be helped.
Please pray for me and my family problems. I feel like life is so overwhelming, and don’t want to, but at times feel so hopeless. I do not want to give up. My kids have issues after issues. One is mentally challenge, one is not growing, and another seems so fragile. On top of it, I have health challenges myself, that just never seems to get better permanently. My husband is the only one working since my health bars me from helping him, and I feel helpless beyond words. Almost like a good for nothing at times. Sometimes I feel the temptation to just give up.
dear binu prayer–father God i pray for binu’s dad so he won’t suffer any pain and for you to heal him you are the great physician and nothing is impossible with you show yourself powerful to him through dreams and visions that you are near him and also binu at this time i am praying for you all God be with you at this time
My father has just been diagnosed with Stage-4 prostate cancer. I can’t even imagine the pain that it causes, especially when it affects the bone. I pray for all those who suffer from cancer and other painful conditions. I also pray that God does not let my dad suffer.
Alison, pray that He will send you a husband, but if that isn’t His willthat He would take that desire away from you. I don’t think its godly to long for something and not specifically ask God for it. I’m so tired of people recommending that single people pray for strength to be single and for His will to be done but refuse to bring a request before God that someone will find a mate. A mate is a godly desire and a blessing from God. The act of requesting recognizes that it is God who is in control and meets the need. He can change your desires and let you know if you are on the wrong track. There is no virtue in refraining from making a request that is within the bounds of a godly life. Pray boldly for your godly desires and then submit to His response.
Dear Prosper, You ask for a great and wonderful thing! God will never give us too much, but always enough. There is great power in prayer, and a British king is to have said something like this: “I fear the prayers of John Knocks more than the power of our army”. Jesus promised us power when He said, in Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” NIV. That is the power that comes with the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
It seems to me, however, that this is not quite what your question means. Muriel Larson, lists the 8 conditions that God’s Word sets down for answered prayer. No doubt you have studied these.
I feel that following the format given to us in The Lord’s Prayer, is a good place to begin: First we recognize who God is, and address Him in reverence. Then we pray for His Kingdom to prosper, and that His will be done on earth (as it is done in heaven)….. That is the general outline which we can expand on. I feel that prayer is a method of getting to know God more intimately, and of receiving information on what is important for us to do, so that our life will line up with His desire for us. For me “prayer is a way of life”! Too often I fail, but I generally go through the day in prayerful-attitude.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for calling Prosper to a closer walk with You. Answer that prayer, I ask in the name of Jesus, our intercessor. Amen.
I find that the Guideposts Magazine is very inspirational, illustrating answered prayer in practically every story.
Dear Borthers & Sisters,
Please help me to know how can I get power from heven through prayer
Thanks