Keys to Answered Prayer

‘…Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.’ John 16:24 NKJV

If your prayers are not being answered, ask yourself:

1. How is my relationship with the Lord? ‘If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear.’ (Psalm 66:18 NAS) Anything that adversely affects your relationship with God also affects your prayers. Friendship gives you favour; intimacy gives you access. Jesus said, ‘If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.’ (John 15:7 NKJV)
2. How strong is my faith? ‘Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is…a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.’ (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)
   Notice three words:
   (a) ‘Believe.’ God’s deepest longing is to be believed, regardless of emotion or circumstance.
   (b) ‘Diligently.’ When you pray, put your heart and soul into it. Paul speaks of ‘labouring…in prayer.’ (Colossians 4:12 KJV)
   (c) ‘Him.’ God is not some ‘force out there’, He’s your heavenly Father Who ‘…knows that you need all these things.’ (Matthew 6:32 NKJV) Your highest priority should not be getting your needs met, but building your relationship with God.
3.  Am I showing patience? ‘Until God’s time finally came – how God tested his patience!’ (Psalm 105:19 TLB) Joseph was tested by the very promise God gave him. Can’t you hear Satan whisper, ‘I thought the dream said you were supposed to be Prime Minister; what are you doing in prison?’ But it only looks like a prison; in reality, it’s the birthplace of destiny. Joseph saw God’s promise fulfilled – in God’s time. And you will too!

Go deeper… John 11:38-57, Ps 81, Pr 30:11-14