The Godly Gazette (How God Answers Prayer)

How God Answers Prayer

1 Peter 3:12 - For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their prayer. NIV

One thing God does in answering prayer is to reveal His mind to us by putting thoughts into our minds. You are probably aware that the devil is working hard to put bad thoughts into our minds, surely then, God and His angels can give us good thoughts.

God has many things to say to us and many thoughts to put into our minds, but sometimes we are too busy to stop and listen to His Word. Prayer gives God the opportunity of speaking to us and revealing His will to us.

God answers other prayers by putting new thoughts into the minds of those we pray for. When we pray for others, it opens the way for God's influence in their lives, and gives Him the opportunity to instill His desires into their hearts and minds.

Psalm 4:3 - Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him. NIV

The godly are those who have trusted and received Christ for salvation, and are faithful and devoted to God. As believers, we have been set apart by God. We can be assured that God loves us, and that He hears and listens to our prayers.

Sometimes we think that God does not hear us, because we do not see an answer, or the answer we get may not be what we expected. We must remember that God does hear and answer, even when we don't understand or see the reply.

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. NIV

Sometimes God's answer to prayer is "NO." Look at the apostel Paul, and the story of the thorn in his side (2 Corinthians 12:1-10). Paul pleaded with the Lord to remove the thorn, but God's reply was, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Paul did not receive the answer he wanted, but he did receive far greater things, such as greater grace from God, a stronger character, humility, empathy, etc., because he trusted in God's answer, (even beyond his own understanding).

Romans 11:33 - Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgements, and His paths beyond tracing out. NIV

It is fully impossible for us to understand God and all of His dealings with us. Although His methods and means are beyond comprehension, God Himself is not arbitrary. He governs the universe and our lives in perfect wisdom, justice, and love,

God's knowledge and wisdom are infinite. He knows what we need, and when we need it. He knows what is best for us, so we must allow God to work in His way. We can be assured that His answer will be in our best interest, within His perfect will and timing, bringing glory to His name.

Hinderances to Prayer

Back to Table of Contents