3 Ways God Answers Prayers

Prayer is a critical part of our relationship with God. Understanding the different ways in which God may respond to our prayer requests is essential. Throughout scripture we see God responding to prayers in various ways. There may be times when you are praying about something and you feel as though you have not received an answer from God on the matter. It is more likely that God has already responded to your prayer, but you have missed his response because it was not the answer you were hoping for. Let’s look at the different ways God responds to prayer.

3 Ways God Answers Prayers

• The dreaded “NO”– No one enjoys being told no, specifically when the NO is coming from God. When God tells you no and closes the door, it’s difficult to understand why. Rather than wallowing in disappointment, and thinking of ways to convince God to change his mind, consider Isaiah 55:8-9.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9.

God wants nothing more than to give his children the desires of their heart. However, God knows the wickedness within our hearts that influences us to pray for things we ought not be praying for.

Sometimes our own bias prevents us from realizing we are asking for things in prayer opposite of God’s will for us. Whenever God says no, it is because he loves us and he much rather say no than to allow us to sabotage ourselves through the desires of our selfish hearts.

If you’re a parent, you know exactly what I am talking about. There are times our children will ask something of us we just have to say no to. We don’t enjoy withholding things from our children, but we also realize that some things they ask for are just flat out wrong. So, we grit our teeth and say no, as it breaks our heart a little each time.

In this same way, God at times has to tell his children no, for their own wellbeing. If we truly believe that God wants only the best for his children, then we have to respect and accept the moments when his response is NO.

• YES (BUT) You Have To Wait– I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “timing is everything”. This rings true even in prayer. I think we forget about the importance of timing, God’s perfect timing. What good is it if we get what we ask for, yet the timing is completely wrong?

Giving us what we ask for at the exact moment we ask for it may not be what we need. We can be so quick to get upset with God because of our own impatience. Incorrectly assuming God has either said ‘no’, or has stayed silent. Maybe God is instructing you to be patient and to trust that He will work out everything for the good of those of love Him.  

• YES!-There is nothing quite like receiving an answered prayer from God. However, some Christians would say that most of their prayers go unanswered. Why is that and how do we correct this? It’s important to ask yourself a few questions. How often do you pray? Are you praying according to God’s will or according to the desires of your flesh? Where is your level of faith?

 Examine Your Prayer Life

Reflecting on these questions may help to reveal what is hindering your prayer life.

• How often do you pray? Are you only praying when things go wrong? Do you pray when everything is going right? If you have no relationship with the Father, why then should He be expected to resolve your problems when you call on Him. Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

• Are you praying according to the will of God? Many of us pray for what we want, or what we think Gods will should be. Scripture tells us in 1 John:14-15, And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

• Where is your faith?– If you ask a Christian if they have faith, you will often be answered with a yes. The truth is, many Christians lack faith and belief. When you ask God for something in prayer, do you feel like your spinning “The Wheel of Prayer”, not sure what the outcome will be, just hoping that it will land on yes? If this sounds familiar to you, it is likely you don’t know who God is or what His word says. If you did, you could discern if something falls into accordance with God’s will and His ways. All hope is not lost. This results from not staying in God’s word or knowing what scripture says.

When you read the Bible, you understand God’s character and nature. When you recognize who God really is, you will know what to pray for according to His will. If you do this, you will see answered prayers in your life and it will increase your faith that much more. But it begins with you opening your Bible and seeking God.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
James 5:15
And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Secrets of a Prayer Warrior By Derek Prince / Chosen Books Internationally respected Bible teacher Derek Prince offers the definitive guide to effective, life-changing prayer. Through examining the teachings of Jesus and the Old Testament prophets, Prince hands you the keys to biblical prayer. Discover insight that will help you cultivate a new life as one of God’s prayer warriors.

Why Bad Things Happen to God’s People By Derek Prince / Destiny Image God’s people aren’t exempt from life’s storms. How can we deal with challenging circumstances? Sharing timeless truths from the Book of Job, Prince equips us to face difficulties with a powerful weapon—hope! He’ll help you respond to Satan’s fiery attacks with biblical faith; be inspired and strengthened by God’s prophetic words; and more. 169 pages, softcover from Destiny Image.

Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Is Speaking By Priscilla Shirer / Moody Publishers When you hear that “still small voice,” are you certain it’s the Holy Spirit? In this freshly updated guide featuring personal insights from Beth Moore, Max Lucado, Kay Arthur, and other trusted teachers, Shirer guides you through Scripture to heighten your spiritual senses so you can distinguish the voice of God from imposters’ chatter.

The Essential Tozer Collection: The Pursuit of God, The Purpose of Man, and The Crucified Life By Compiled & edited by James L. Snyder / Bethany House A collection of enduring spiritual classics! The Pursuit of God will challenge you to renew your relationship with the Lord. In The Purpose of Man, Tozer reminds us that we are called to worship. And in The Crucified Life, he leads us to the cross so that we can be raised anew. 560 pages, paperback.

Prevailing Prayer: A Thorough Study on the Subject of Prayer By Dwight L. Moody / Aneko Press

Baptism of the Holy Spirit: How to Receive This Promised Gift By Reuben A. Torrey / Aneko Press