How can I have my prayers answered by God?

Answer

Many individuals believe that answered prayer is God granting a prayer request that is presented to Him. If a prayer request is not granted, it is perceived as an “unanswered” prayer. However, this is an inaccurate comprehension of prayer. God responds to every prayer that is raised to Him. At times, God’s response may be “no” or “wait.” God solely commits to fulfilling our prayers when we ask in alignment with His will. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15).

What does it signify to pray in accordance with God’s will? Praying in accordance with God’s will involves praying for things that honor and glorify God and/or praying for what the Bible clearly reveals as God’s will. If we pray for something that does not honor God or align with His will for our lives, God will not grant it. How can we discern God’s will? God assures us of wisdom when we seek it. James 1:5 declares, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” A good starting point is 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24, which delineates many aspects that constitute God’s will for us. The more we comprehend God’s Word, the better equipped we are to discern what to pray for «If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. », (John 15:7). The clearer our understanding of what to pray for, the more frequently God will respond affirmatively to our petitions.