How Does God Answer Prayer? – Bible study
From a cursory reading of the Bible, we know and understand that God does indeed answer prayer (Matthew 6:5-15; Matthew 7:7-12; 1 John 3:21-22; 1 John 5:14-15; cf. John 9:31; John 15:7; James 1:5-6; James 5:13-18).
Now the question is asked, How does God answer prayer? The following are some biblical answers to that question:
- Sometimes, God says No in answer to our prayers Note the prayer of Jesus in Matthew 26:39-44 and Pauls prayer in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
- Sometimes, God says Slow in answer to our prayers His answer to our prayers are delayed for our benefit. (cf. Psalm 22:1-8; Psalm 40:1-4; Luke 18:1-7).
- Sometimes, God says Grow in answer to our prayers (John 11) Mary and Martha asked Jesus to come and heal their brother Lazarus of a sickness. Jesus purposefully delayed his coming for two days, so that (1) He could demonstrate His authority and power in raising Lazarus from the dead, proving to them that he was indeed Gods Son, and (2) so that their faith might grow and increase (John 11:37-45).
- Sometimes, God says Go in answer to our prayers Solomon asked for wisdom and received it (1 Kings 3:7-14. The disciples prayed for Peters release from prison, and their prayer was answered (Acts 12:1-17). In fact, God often gives us more than we ask for (Ephesians 3:20).
So, the bottom line in all of the above is: (1) Dont forget to pray (Philippians 4:6), because God answers prayers, and (2) Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17; cf. Luke 18:1-8; Psalm 55:16-17) our praying must be persistent and consistent.
Related Article:
- What If Our Prayers Go Unanswered?