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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Many people believe answered prayer is God granting a prayer request that is offered to Him. If a prayer request is not granted, it is understood as an "unanswered" prayer. However, this is an inco...
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Chris Eleam
Supporter
Does Jehovah listen to all prayers? Consider what he told rebellious Israelites in the days of the prophet Isaiah: “Even though you make many prayers, I am not listening; with bloodshed your very hands have become filled.” (Isaiah 1:15) So certain actions can cause God not to listen to our prayers. For our prayers to be favorably heard by God, therefore, we must meet some basic requirements. A primary requirement is that we exercise faith. (Mark 11:24) The apostle Paul wrote: “Without faith it is impossible to please [God] well, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Having true faith is more than merely knowing that God exists and that he hears and answers prayers. Faith is proved by our actions. We must give clear evidence that we have faith by the way we live every day.—James 2:26. Jehovah also requires that those who approach him in prayer do so with humility and sincerity. Do we not have reason to be humble when speaking to Jehovah? When people have the opportunity to speak to a king or a president, they usually do so respectfully, acknowledging the ruler’s high position. How much more so should we be respectful when approaching Jehovah! (Psalm 138:6) After all, he is “God Almighty.” (Genesis 17:1) When we pray to God, the manner in which we approach him should show that we humbly recognize our position before him. Such humility will also move us to pray from our heart in sincerity, avoiding routine, repetitive prayers.—Matthew 6:7, 8. Another requirement for being heard by God is that we act in harmony with our prayers. Jehovah expects us to do all that is within our power to work at what we pray for. For example, if we pray, “Give us today our bread for this day,” we must work hard at whatever available job we are able to perform. (Matthew 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10) If we pray for help in overcoming a fleshly weakness, we must be careful to avoid circumstances and situations that could lead us into temptation. (Colossians 3:5) In addition to these basic requirements, there are questions about prayer that we need to have answered.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
These 4 passages from the Bible, John 16:24; 1 John 5:14-15; Mark 11:22-24; Psalm 37:4-5, give me the assurance of answered prayer. I was in the Navigators and bought The Topical Memory System. Some or all of the above Scripture verses are included under "Assurance," as I recall (this was 55 years ago.) But even today they say this about Jn. 16:24 -- "In John 16:24 Jesus was speaking to His disciples the night before His crucifixion. He did not tell them they had never asked for anything in prayer. But He said they had not asked in His name. You yourself have probably prayed many times, especially when in trouble. But as a believer in Christ you can ask in Jesus’ name, because you belong to Him. To ask in His name means to ask in His authority and on His merit. Just as the Father answered Jesus’ every prayer, so He will answer you when you ask in Jesus’ name. Memorize this promise, apply its truth, and experience the joy of answered prayer."
Dorcas Sitali
Supporter
First things first you must be born again you cannot enter the kingdom of GOD unless you are born again after being born again you can now enjoy the privileges of the Kingdom one of the is having communion with God through a personal relationship with him were then you talk to God through prayer, even reading his Word also known as his constitution. In the case of one who is already in the kingdom God answers prayer as we see in the case of peter, Elisabeth & Zechariah, Abraham and sarah, Jesus, Paul, daniel, moses. The motive behind prayer also matters, is your prayer going to bring Glory to God or not even as we are told in james 4 or do you pray as the pharisee in luke 18:11
steven h
Supporter
Go back to when you were a child--did your parents give you everything you asked for? I expect not, because maybe you weren't ready for it or you didn't deserve it. But the things that you needed or trusted with they would let you have. It's the same with God--if you have the right heart and he can see that heart is really true for the prayer you are asking for, then you will receive an answer to that prayer. Maybe not right away, because you will be put through a test as you would be by your parents first to see if you really want it to happen. The miracles can happen, especially with God but first you must prove yourself.
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