Prayer: A Path to Answered Promises
Prayer is one of the most mysterious yet rewarding practices in the Christian life. At its core, prayer is a conversation with God, but it’s also the means by which we engage with his promises and experience his power. Jesus himself assures us in Matthew 7:7-8: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” But what does it mean to live in the reality of answered prayer?
How God Answers Prayer
It’s important to understand that God always answers prayer, but not always in the way we expect. Sometimes the answer is “yes,” sometimes it’s “no,” and sometimes it’s “wait.” When we pray, we’re not submitting a wish list to a genie; we’re engaging with a loving Father who knows what’s best for us. This truth invites us to examine the motives behind our prayers. Are we praying for things that align with God’s will and bring him glory? Or are we driven by selfish desires?
The Role of Persistence
Jesus’ parable in Luke 18:1 encourages us to “always pray and not lose heart.” Persistent prayer is not about wearing God down but about cultivating faith and dependence. Think of it like planting seeds in a garden. You don’t see the fruit overnight, but with patience and care, growth happens. Persistence in prayer deepens our trust in God’s timing and character.
George Müller, a man of remarkable faith, often spoke about the importance of perseverance in prayer. He once said, “The great fault of the children of God is, they do not continue in prayer; they do not go on praying; they do not persevere.” His life—marked by countless answered prayers—is a testament to the power of persistent faith.
Planning to Pray
One of the reasons we struggle with prayer is a lack of intentionality. Let’s be honest: if we don’t plan to pray, it probably won’t happen. Just as you schedule time for work, family, and rest, set aside specific times for prayer. Find a quiet place, create a list of things you want to bring before God, and make it a priority.
Planning doesn’t diminish the spontaneity of prayer; it enhances it. By setting aside dedicated time, you’re creating space to encounter God in a meaningful way. Over time, these moments will spill over into your everyday life, turning your thoughts and actions into a continual conversation with him.
The Joy of Answered Prayer
Answered prayer is one of the greatest joys of the Christian life. It reminds us that God is active and engaged in our lives. But even when the answer isn’t what we hoped for, we can trust that God’s plans are better than our own. As Romans 8:28 assures us, “All things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
When we pray persistently and trust God’s timing, we grow in gratitude and faith. Each answered prayer—whether big or small—becomes a testimony of God’s goodness. And in the waiting, we learn patience, humility, and reliance on him.
A Call to Action
So, will you pray? Will you take God at his word and step into the rhythm of asking, seeking, and knocking? Begin today. Write down one prayer request and commit to bringing it before God daily. As you persevere, watch for the ways God answers—not just in the outcomes, but in the transformation of your heart.
Prayer is not a duty; it’s a delight. It’s a pathway to intimacy with the God who loves you. Let’s embrace the discipline of prayer, confident in the promise that he hears and answers.
So true, I pray consistently every night before I go to sleep and sometimes during the day depending on what is going on.