Try our online study “Why isn’t God Answering my Prayers?“
“Why do some people get their prayers answered—and I don’t?” you may sometimes wonder. When you have a problem, you may talk with some godly person about it. “Pray for me,” you ask. If anyone can get an answer from God, you figure he or she can! Actually, if you are a Christian, you can, too. Let’s look at the conditions for getting prayer answered.
REPENTANCE is the first essential for answered prayer. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 we read, “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 certainly keeps prayers from being answered. But did you know that bitterness, bad temper, anger, harsh words, and resentment can come between us and God? How can we make things right? The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
RIGHTEOUSNESS also helps us get prayers answered. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective,” James 5:16 says. Righteousness refers to a daily, steady walk with the Lord. We try not to let anything come between Him and us. Christ has first place in the righteous person’s life, and others can see it. That’s how they know who to go to when they need someone to pray.
FORGIVENESS is necessary for answered prayer. Jesus said, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins” (Mark 11:25).
Sarah was sorry for things she had done wrong, and she wanted to get right with the Lord. So she asked Him to forgive her. But when she finished praying, guess what she still carried in her heart? Bitterness, anger, hostility, and unforgiveness toward the friend who had deserted 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! Let God help you. Hold up those destructive self-centered feelings to God and say, “Lord, take these hurtful things. I don’t want them. Cleanse me, I just want your peace, joy, and love. I forgive those who have wronged me!” Then you will get through in prayer.
OBEDIENCE is another requirement for answered prayer. First John 3:22 says that we receive from the Lord whatever we ask when we obey His commands and do what pleases Him. God’s two great commandments call for love and cover every relationship and every circumstance: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart…and your neighbor as yourself.” Obedience isn’t hard when you truly love God and others.
AGREEMENT with others on requests adds power to prayers. PERSISTENCE prevails. And FAITH is an absolute necessity. Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24).
Believe God will work—and He will!
Now here is a special promise for you: “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).
Question: Has it seemed like God hasn’t been hearing your prayers lately?
About this Author: Muriel Larson
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Evidence Against a Proud Heart, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
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