Over the last couple of weeks, we have been studying the subject of “prayer.” Last week we looked at what we should pray for and why we can trust in God’s mercy and forgiveness. This week we are going to try to understand how God answers prayers. This is not an easy concept for many to explain because often times man tries to make understanding prayer more difficult by having complicated theological explanations. We aren’t called to understand, entirely, just have faith that it works.
Old Testament prayers involved beseeching God for His covenant promises and often with a more distant relationship. We have many examples of God answering prayers in the Old Testament (Hannah’s prayer in 1 Sam. 1-2; the Israelites’ prayer for deliverance in Ex. 2:23-25; Hezekiah’s prayer for healing in 2 Kings 20; Gideon’s request for a sign in Judges 6; and Elijah’s prayer for rain in 1 Kings 18, just to name a few). But Old Testament prayers often reflect rituals and communal worship.
Prayer in the New Testament is distinguished from the Old Testament by its direct connection to Jesus’ atoning work. We don’t have to read very far to see numerous examples of God answering prayers in the New Testament (All the miracles Jesus preformed; and Peter’s release from prison in Acts 12:1-17).
New Testament prayer emphasizes a personal connection and closeness with God. It is characterized by intimate, open dialogue with the Father through Jesus, highlighting grace, forgiveness and a personal relationship with God made possible by the gospel.
But have you ever prayed for something for so long that you wondered if God was hearing you? The Bible includes many verses that assure us of God’s willingness to hear and answer prayers (Psalm 18:6, Psalm 116:1; Is. 65:24; John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:14-15; James 1:5-6). While the Bible promises that God hears prayers, the answer isn’t always “yes” to the request. The response may be “no” or “wait” if the prayer is not aligned with God’s will, wisdom or timing. The Bible also indicates that God will not answer prayers if they are motivated by sin. But God will hear every word from our mouth, thought in our mind and whisper of our heart.
This Sunday, I will try to cover some things that might be affecting our prayers. This is such an extensive subject, but not a difficult one. God loves us and He wants what is best for His children. We have to be obedient, not perfect. The righteous person, whose prayers avails much, is not the sinless person, but the repentant person.
I hope to see you Sunday and we will see the power of prayer and the blessings we experience when we approach our Father’s throne of grace in faith, with boldness, as we present our prayers and petitions to God.
In Christ, Steve
NOBLE CHURCH OF CHRIST