Two Keys To Unlock The Doorway To Answered Prayers

“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).

These verses instruct us to pray always “according to his will.” Everything rides on this. Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.” We have no right to expect of our Heavenly Father that which runs contrary to His will. The doorway to answered prayer is praying “according to his will.” But what if we are not sure what is His will? How do we find it? The two keys to unlock the doorway to answered prayer are the Word of God and the Spirit of God.

First, we know it is the will of God if it is in the Word of God. Paul claims that a knowledge of the will of God will come by “the renewing of your mind” with the Word of God (Romans 12:2). God promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go” (Psalm 32:8). The psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Jesus said, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and shall be done to you” (John 15:7).
 
So if you are not sure if it’s God’s will, ask first, “What does the Bible teach?” Seek the will of God in the Word of God. That is how we know what God wants. Moreover, what He wants is how we should pray if we want our prayers answered.

I have never had a need in my life to which the Bible did not speak to some degree. I have never had a problem for which the Bible did not address in some fashion. Does the Bible tell us everything we need to know in a situation? Does it provide all of the answers we want in addressing a problem? No. However, it lays down the principles that I need to know to begin to address the problem. It points me in the right direction in addressing a need and praying for a solution.

Scripture does not tell us everything. It lays the foundational principles but not all of the specifics. The Spirit of God abides within you and guides you in the prayer process. The Bible calls it “praying in the spirit.” Paul said, “Pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayer and requests” (Ephesians 6:18). The Bible says, “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 20). Jesus explained, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

Remember this: the Word of God and the Spirit of God are the keys to unlock the door to praying according to the will of God and this is how our prayers get answered. May our dear Lord take you by the hand and guide you on your exciting journey to answered prayer.

Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron