How to Get an Answer to Prayers

Prayer establishes a personal relationship with God.

"I'm going to bed. Anyone want anything before I pray?" This quote from a young child reflects the thought pattern of many who pray. Prayer can, mistakenly, become a wish list of sorts, sent to God. The apostle Paul described his mentality regarding prayer in Hebrews 4:16 when he wrote, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Prayer is more than asking for things; it's the human privilege of speaking to God, to worship and adore Him, to voice gratitude and build a deep, loving, sacred relationship. Consider prayer a talk with several sections to cover each time.

Things You'll Need

• patience and an open mind

Instructions

1. Thank God for all the blessings you are surrounded by in life. Count the number of wonders you observe in the world that tickle your heart. Ann Voskamp, who wrote the New York Times Best-Selling book "One Thousand Wishes," teaches that by being aware of the small blessings God has bestowed on our lives, we can begin to see a life full of gifts and rich in blessings that are each answers to our prayers. Accept that God may not bestow every large, exotic material item asked for. Appreciate the beauty and wonder God provides in your life every day.

2. 

   "Thy will, not mine, be done."

   Pray and meditate on Romans 8:28 in the Bible. "God makes all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." Accept that your wishes and wants may be yours alone, and not God's also. God has a higher purpose for bestowing blessings and for hardships in life, understood only by Him. Pray, like Jesus did in Luke 22:42, "not my will, but Yours be done." Trust in God's holy and perfect will for your life. Pray that God will hold you and your loved ones fast as you walk through days and times of suffering.

3. 

   Open your heart and prepare to listen to God's answer.

   Watch and listen for unexpected and subtle answers to your prayers. Listen to the quiet inner voice prodding you to do or say something, or the thought that recurs. Many believe this is God talking or encouraging you to move into action. Accept God's answer to your prayer. Hold fast to Him in faith. Continue to develop your sacred relationship by praying regularly, offering worship, confessions and thanksgiving before petitions. Many people pray according to the ACTS acrostic, which stands for "adoration, contrition, thanksgiving and supplications" -- that's worship, seeking forgiveness, expressing gratitude and asking for things.

Tips & Warnings

• have patience and an open mind

• Here is what God doesn't do. God does not put lottery tickets in the proper order so when you buy one you win big. He doesn't replace the engine in your car by the time you wake up in the morning. He doesn't find you a parking space very morning. If this is your God, your life will be loaded with disappointment.

References

• "One Thousand Gifts"; Ann Voskamp; 2011
• Explore Faith: What if God Doesn't Answer My Prayers?