Does God Answer Every Prayer?

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God:  that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

I John 5:14 (NIV) 

‘I don’t know whether God has heard my prayers or if He will give me an answer.’ 

I wonder whether you and I have ever thought this way. I think we have! 

It’s because the five senses do not discern God that we naturally ask these questions.  God does not think as we do: he says in Isaiah 55:8, “My thoughts are not your thoughts or My ways your ways.” 

He has always loved His Creation and never hated it. God hates the sin, which so easily separates us. 

Have we considered that there are at least four ways that He answers the prayer of those who earnestly seek God? 

Let’s see:

*We love the ‘Yes’ answer of course.

*We fear the ‘No’ – which is, however, an answer, although not one we humanly want to hear.

*We also dislike ‘Wait’, although this too is an answer!

*Also, there is a ‘You decide which way to go and I will bless your decision or ease your way.” This too is an answer.

And there are others.

 Why would God not answer His children?  Why would He ignore us?  The answer is that He doesn’t, and that is so encouraging.  We find in Matthew 7:9-11, “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?  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!” 

Let us pray in faith knowing that our Father has all the time in the world for us and loves us more that we do Him.  He wants to hear from us far more than we want to talk to Him – and we do. 

Prayer

Please give us the faith to believe that you have always loved your Creation and will answer each and every prayer personally, according to what is good for us.

And please help us to accept the answer in Your own good time and way.

Amen 

Study by Tony Goudie