When you seek the Lord in prayer are you confident that he hears you?

In this passage, the apostle John explains to us that we can confidently approach God when we come to him in accordance with his will. To ask God according to his will does not mean that in order to pray effectively, we must discover God's secret plan. What it means is that we should ask according to what the Bible teaches us about God's will for us. If believers are praying in accordance with what pleases God, and agrees with the Holy Scriptures, then they are praying according to his will. It is easy to be absorbed by our will but God wants us to understand and discern his will through his Word. Through the Scriptures, God provides the wisdom needed to understand that praying according to his will requires faith, patience, obedience, and submission to God’s greater purpose. It’s imperative to ask him to help us to live in a way that will honor him. When we see things from God's viewpoint, we have the confidence of knowing he hears us and will answer our requests.

Knowing that he hears us in whatever we ask is sufficient because intimacy with God is the goal of prayer. When we walk in an abiding relationship with Jesus, and spend time in his word, we will naturally reflect on the things he wants. Prayer is a sincere, affectionate pouring out of the heart to God through Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. The intent is to pray for the fulfillment of his purpose. If we are praying only to have our needs met, our faith is shallow. Human experience demonstrates that when we ask but do not believe, we do not always receive the things we ask from God, even if they are in accordance with his will. By pursuing his will, it is vital that we are aware of any unresolved issues that can potentially hinder our prayers. There are several essential elements to effective prayer that are to be considered. 

 Here are the Elements for Effective Prayer:

1.    We must be “born again” (Proverbs 15:29; John 9:31)

2.    We must confess our sins (Psalm 66:18; Matthew 6:12)

3.    We must love as we are loved, and forgive as we have been forgiven (Matthew 22:36-38; Mark 11:25; 1 Peter 3:7)

4.    We must have faith (Matthew 21:22; James 1:6-7; Hebrews 11:6)

5.    We must approach his throne with praise and thanksgiving (Psalm 95:2; Psalm 100:4)

6.    We must have a humble heart (Psalm 10:17; Psalm 149:4)

7.    We must pray with right motives (Proverbs 16:2; James 4:3)

8.    We must pray in Jesus’ name (John 14:13-14; John 15:7)

God desires that we bring our will and agenda in alignment with his; he wants us to care about what he cares about enough to pray passionately about it. Powerful prayers are those aligned with his will. God is delighted when our dependence is on him, and his word is absorbed earnestly. Jesus demonstrated the perfect dependence on, and obedience of his Father’s will. We should follow his example.

Are your prayers in alignment with the will of God?

When you reflect on the elements for effective prayer, is there anything that comes to mind that may be hindering your prayers?

Lord I am glad that I can come to you in confidence knowing that anything I ask and believe according to your purpose will be accepted. I acknowledge that your will is better than my plans because you are sovereign and holy. Help me Lord, to evaluate the condition of my heart when I come to you in prayer. If there is anything that is hindering my relationship with you, please reveal it to me. I want to come to you with a clean heart willing to submit to your will. Thank you Jesus for showing me how prayer allows me to have communion with you every day. Amen.

Scripture References:

Jeremiah 29:12-13; Matthew 7:7; John 14:13; Ephesians 3:12; 1 John 3:22