Prayer is one of the most untapped resources we have as followers of Jesus. I’m guilty of this more than anyone else I know but the fact that we can come before God and speak to Him is nothing other than incredible! So often though (I think because we think we can’t see results), we give it a shot here or there, and then just move on with our day.
The Bible has a lot to say about God answering prayers and Him making decisions based on the prayers of His people. This of course tempts us to ask if we can change God’s mind about something, but before we get distracted with debates that we’ll never fully have the answers to, we’d be better off trusting the very Word of God that He is completely in control at all times AND at the same time listens to our prayers and answers us.
What’s clear from what Jesus has done for us is that God is personal and intimate. He would not have sent His own Son to die for us if He didn’t love us. He would not have told us to pray to Him in the Bible if He didn’t mean it and if He didn’t want to spend time with us, listen to us, etc. Imagine having a relationship with someone but you never spent time with them…that would not really be a relationship at all.
God invites you and me to come to Him at anytime, anywhere, pray to Him…give thanks to Him…confess to Him…ask requests of Him…and trust Him with His answers no matter what happens. God truly does listen to us and answer prayers.
Here is what the Bible has to say with scripture on answered prayer:
John 16:23-24 – In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
Isaiah 65:24 – Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.
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. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Jonah 2:1-2 – Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying, “I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.
Psalm 145:18-19 – The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.
Psalm 102:17 – He regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer.
John 15:7 – If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
Psalm 66:19 – But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
Psalm 118:21 – I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.
Jeremiah 33:3 – Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
What does the Bible have to say about other topics?
Feel free to add any additional Scripture to this topic by leaving a comment.
