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Answered Prayers
Some of the conditions the Bible mentions for answered prayer are:
Humility. What God said to the people of Israel in 2 Chronicles is true for us today. We must humble ourselves before the Lord, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways. God acts on behalf of the one with a humble, broken, contrite spirit who respects His word.
Godly motive. Why is it that our prayers go unanswered?James invites us to ask ourselves, what is our motive? Is it for the glory of God, that His will be done, that His name would be magnified in our lives? Or is there a selfish motive? Be sincere.
Faith. We must believe the Lord to see answered prayer. James teaches us that a double-minded person says, “Lord, would You show me what to do, although I’m not sure yet if I’m going to do it?” That person won’t receive anything from God. We must have faith that God equips us to do His will.
Obedience. Our prayer life is hindered when we allow willful disobedience in our lives. How are we aware that we are violating God’s Word and doing nothing about it?
Confession of sin. It’s difficult to have a heart inclined to God’s will when your heart is cherishing sin. If I hold on to sin in my heart, the Lord will not accept or act on a request that I offer. It’s difficult to pray for God’s will when our life is not in accordance with it.
Praying in the name of Christ. “Father, I lift this to You, believing that this is what my Savior would have me pray, because I know what’s important to Him.” How would that mindset change our prayers?
Perseverance. When we know we’re praying according to God’s will, we continue to pray until the Lord reveals His answer.
We know how to talk to God, so we come with confidence, knowing that we are accepted because we’re His children. If we ask according to His will, we have what we’ve asked for. This is our confidence.
Father in Heaven, I’m here before You with humility, knowing that as Your child, I can come confidently in the assurance You’ve given me. I pray, Lord, that You would increase my hunger and thirst to commune with You. Teach me to pray, Lord, not with beautiful-sounding phrases, but doing the real heart-work of prayer. Thank You for this, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
This devotional was based on a sermon by Richard Caldwell. To listen to this sermon and an episode of the Straight Truth Podcast related to this message, visit our website https://straighttruth.net/gods-will-making-decisions-and-prayer/
About this Plan
What is prayer? Prayer is coming before the face of God. When we know how to talk to God, we come confident, understanding that we are accepted because we’re His children. And if we ask anything according to His will, we have what we’ve asked for. This is our confidence in prayer.
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