Will my prayers be answered?

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”

(Isaiah 65:24 - New International Version)

Having watched the film ‘Bruce Almighty’ years ago, there is something from it which has always stayed with me concerning the subject of answer to prayer. When Bruce is given the powers of God he feels that listening to prayers and considering their merits is time consuming and dull, so he decides to say ‘Yes’ to them all. At first this may seem like a wonderful idea…surely if God said yes to all our prayers then our lives would become instantly incredible?

Unfortunately, for Bruce and the world around him, the decision to say ‘Yes’ to all prayers ends up with a world in chaos. People praying for the wrong things get them and suffer as a result. Millions of people all win the lottery at the same time and their reaction is disappointment and anger as the jackpot is shared amongst so many. These people, despite having their prayers answered in the way they wanted, end up hurt and bitter.

What are we praying for?

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”

(Hebrews 10:36 - New International Version)

The lesson we can take from this is that God listens to all of our prayers, weighs them up carefully and compassionately, and then answers in the way that is best for us. I’m glad that we have a God who is a good Father and is willing to say 'No' when our prayers don't match up with His perfect plan for our lives. We must make sure that we're praying for the right things. If we pray, but they come from a self-seeking place within us, God will not give us what we ask for. If we pray, but ensure they are from the perspective of God’s principles, He will. Persistently praying for something that is not part of God’s plan will not cause God to change His mind.

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

(John 15:7 -New International Version)

Sometimes a child will want something that is bad for them and it is the parent’s duty to say no, protect their child, and then deal with any tears and upset with the required love and patience!

When will prayers be answered?

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”

(2 Peter 3:8 - New International Version)

Another truth we need to keep in mind is that God is omnipresent (everywhere) and this means that he is everywhere throughout time. He is the ‘Alpha and the Omega’. God knows exactly what happened in the past, what is happening now and what will happen in the future. He knows exactly the right time for everything to happen – he has a masterful plan.

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”

(Galatians 5:22-23 - New Living Translation)

So, when considering answers to prayer, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us through the gift of patience and, in doing so, demonstrate our faith and trust in God, that His time is the right time. There are seasons in life where we need to go through a time of waiting and struggle to help us grow and develop the skills that will be essential in the future.

Pray without ceasing

In a time of waiting for answers, don't stop praying. If what you are asking for is based on God’s principles He will answer; keep at it and ask that He strengthens you in the meantime - you will reach the point in time which is right.

We are limited in our understanding, whereas God is omniscient (all knowing). While we are struggling in the times of waiting we need to acknowledge that God may be planning something that will bring about even better things than we asked for.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - New International Version)

God loves to hear from us! When we meet up with people, one of the things we like to do most is talk. We talk about what has been happening in our lives, our successes (and failures) and all the ambitions we have. It’s great to share with people. God feels the same way. He wants to share in our lives and He wants to talk with us too. God is the one we are meant to love most of all, so we should be talking with Him as much as possible.

Don't be discouraged

When your prayers seem to have gone unanswered, you can feel isolated and discouraged, but remember that God is with you and has a plan. There have been times in my life when I have felt alone and abandoned but, looking back on them now with the benefit of hindsight, I know that He was always with me. He was within me, whether or not I acknowledged it, and He was with me though my loved ones, who prayed and cared for me.

I know that If God hadn't been with me during those times, I wouldn't have made it.

My prayers were answered, the prayers of my loved ones were answered, but they were answered at the right time for God’s plan to work. I had to wait, my loved ones had to wait, and the lessons learned from the waiting and the joy when the answers came were all the better for it.

“I took you from the ends of the earth,
    from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, “You are my servant”;
    I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

(Isaiah 41:9-10 - New International Version)