How To Get Prayers Answered

This Sunday, I will be sharing about how to get your prayers answered. I am excited about this sermon! But I want to get you started thinking about this subject today. Let’s begin thinking about praying. Most of us would admit that we pray less than we could and less than we know we should. I think one of our greatest needs is to grow in our prayer experience. How about you—do you think there is room for growth in your prayer life?

Maybe a place to begin is here: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (John 15:7). In the context, the disciples were disturbed for Jesus had told them He was leaving them. But He promised to care for them. This He would do from heaven. How so? Jesus would answer their prayers. Interestingly, they had never really had to pray before this. Jesus was there with them and they had access to Him. They had only to turn to Him and ask of Him. Now they must learn to pray. That is the same for us. We too are dependent on prayer. Therefore, we must grow here if this is how God chooses to express His care.

The first word of instruction from Jesus in learning to pray is to remain – “If you remain in me and my words remain in you…” You and I are united to Christ by faith. However, along with the union, we must have communion. We must have fellowship with Christ and draw upon His life and strength. This we do thru daily prayer, worship, fellowship, discipleship, and obedience.

Jesus says as we remain in Him, then we may request of Him. He said, “ask whatever you wish…” Admittedly, prayer is much more than requesting things of God. It is worshipping, surrendering, praising, thanksgiving, meditating, confessing, and promise claiming… But requesting things of God is still an important part of praying. Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7). James said, “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:2).

Some are reluctant to ask anything of the Lord. But understand—God invites His children to pray, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11). So, it’s okay to pray!

Let’s put it together: If we remain in Him and His words remain in us, then we know better what to request of Him. Even more, this daily remaining leads to the right kind of requesting which leads to a joyful receiving according to our prayers!

This is the beginning of learning about fruitful praying! (On Sunday I will share more about getting our prayers answered—you do not want to miss this one!)

Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron