Are you part of a Firelfy prayer group? Click here
The Gift of Prayer
Experience a peace that surpasses all understanding through faith and prayer.
See Also
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6
God Hears Your Prayers
Every prayer, whether spoken with our mouth or in our heart, is heard by God. His Word assures us of this. Isaiah 65 verse 24 says, "Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear."
Then some 700 years after those inspired words were written, Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, where he reminds us that our Heavenly Father already knows the desires of our hearts before we pray.
You might wonder, if the Lord already knows what is on our hearts, then why must we also pray? Because our Father in Heaven desires it. Our prayers are like a sweet incense to the Lord, bringing him much joy. (Psalm 141:2) Indeed, He asks us to pray without ceasing and to take everything to Him in prayer. He beckons us to gather together in prayer as well as to pray privately because ultimately, the Lord wants a personal relationship with each of us. Aside from salvation, there is no greater gift.
Do not allow pride or self-sufficiency keep you from praying, for you are delaying a personal relationship with God.
How Our Prayers are Answered
People usually believe they already know the answer to their prayers. At times, God answers our prayers precisely how we think He should, and it may even seem those answers come almost immediately. At other times, it may feel as though we are not being heard as we wait a very long time. This requires faith and patience as we wait for the Lord's answer.
We talk about the Lord's will on our prayer request page, but it should be mentioned here as well: In all supplications, begin by asking that the will of the Father prevail. Furthermore, abide in Him. John 15 verse 7 says, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."
We are also offered a warning in Proverbs 28, verse 9: "If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable." And James chapter 4 verse 3 says, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."
So, in conclusion, our prayers are answered according by God's will and His timing, and if we:
Remain in Him and His Word
Follow His instruction
Have good motives in His sight
If you feel you have made supplication with these things already in order, then we suggest praying first for patience, and second for revelation or wisdom about His will.