Rachel Evans
Many people pray but don't see the answers they desire, or don't feel a connection with God. However, there are ways to get your prayers answered. According to the Bible, God promises to give wisdom when we ask for it, and we should pray for things that honor and glorify God and pray according to God's will, which is outlined in the Bible. We must also have faith in God's ability and willingness to give us what we ask for. Jesus sanctioned brash and demanding prayers, and the parable of the widow and the unjust judge in Luke 18:1-8 promises speedy answers to persistent and fervent prayer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Persistence | Praying boldly and fervently |
| Faith | Believing that you will receive what you ask for |
| God's will | Praying for things that honor and glorify God |
| Forgiveness | Forgiving others so that your Father in heaven forgives your sins |
| Action | Being the answer to someone else's prayer |
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What You'll Learn
Pray boldly
Praying boldly is about having the confidence to ask God for what you want or need. It is about approaching God with a sense of urgency and persistence, as illustrated in the story of the widow and the unjust judge in Luke 18:1-8. In this parable, Jesus promises to answer fervent and persistent prayers.
Praying boldly does not mean being demanding or impolite, but it does involve a certain degree of importunity. This is demonstrated in the story of a man asking his friend for food in Luke 11, where Jesus encourages his followers to pray with a similar boldness and persistence. It is about laying aside self-consciousness and humbly begging for what you need, trusting that God will provide.
Praying boldly also means having faith in God's ability and willingness to answer your prayers. This faith should be based on a deep understanding of God's Word and His will for your life. By praying according to God's will, you can be confident that your prayers align with His desires and will be answered.
Additionally, praying boldly involves taking action and speaking words of faith over your life and situations you face. It is about believing that you have received what you asked for, even before it manifests in the natural realm. However, it is important to remember that God's answers may not always be immediate or what you expect. Sometimes, the answer may be "no," "not now," or "be patient."
Finally, praying boldly is about having a humble and obedient heart before God. Before expecting to receive from God, you must be willing to forgive others and ensure that your prayers honour and glorify Him.
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Be persistent
Persistence in prayer is a recurring theme in the Bible. For example, in Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the parable of the widow and the unjust judge. The parable illustrates that persistent and fervent prayer leads to speedy answers. However, it is important to remember that God's answers may not always align with our expectations, and we must be open to hearing "no," "not now," or "be patient."
Being persistent in prayer does not mean being demanding or impolite. Instead, it involves a bold and sincere approach to God, expressing our desires and believing that we will receive answers. This is supported by Mark 11:24, where Jesus instructs believers to "believe that ye receive [what you ask for] and ye shall have them." Additionally, Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to "come boldly to the throne of [God's] grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
To be persistent in prayer, it is crucial to have faith in God's ability and willingness to answer. This faith should be grounded in God's Word, the Bible, which provides principles and guidance for our prayers. By aligning our prayers with God's will, we can be confident that our requests honor and glorify Him. As stated in 1 John 5:14, "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 the petitions we have asked of Him."
However, persistence in prayer is not just about asking; it also involves listening and discerning God's answers. Sometimes, the answer may be a "yes," but other times it may be a "no" or a "wait." It is important to approach prayer with an open mind and heart, seeking to understand God's will rather than simply demanding our desires. As James 1:5 assures us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
Additionally, forgiveness plays a crucial role in persistent prayer. Mark 11:25 states, "when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too." An unforgiving heart hinders faith, making it difficult to believe and receive God's blessings fully.
In conclusion, persistence in prayer is about boldly and faithfully bringing our requests to God, aligning them with His will, and believing that He will answer. It involves a deep understanding of God's Word and a willingness to listen and obey, even when the answer may not be what we initially expected. Through persistent prayer, we can experience a deeper connection with God and witness His mighty works in our lives.
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Forgive others
Forgiving others is a central tenet of Catholicism, and Jesus himself emphasised its importance in the Lord's Prayer, also known as the "Our Father". In this prayer, Jesus taught his followers to pray: "forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us".
Forgiveness can be challenging, and it is common to feel anger towards someone even after forgiving them. However, forgiveness is a prayerful choice to acknowledge the sin committed against you and to choose not to hold it against the other person. Recognising your own need for forgiveness can make it easier to forgive others.
> Father, only you understand how much I’ve been hurt by this person. I don’t want to carry the pain for another second. I don’t want to be a bitter person. But I need your grace and the power of the cross to release my hurt and to forgive those who’ve hurt me. This is the turning point. First, I need to experience your forgiveness. You know all the ways I’ve hurt others, and I’m so sorry for my sins. Jesus, thank you for dying for me. I accept your grace and forgiveness, and I need it daily. Today I’m turning to you, and I’m choosing to forgive the way you have forgiven me. Every time the memory comes back, I’ll forgive that person again until the pain is gone. Heal my heart with your grace. In Jesus' name.
> Dear Merciful Lord, Thank you for your gift of forgiveness. Your only Son loved me enough to come to earth and experience the worst pain imaginable so I could be forgiven. Your mercy flows to me in spite of my faults and failures. Your Word says to “clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” (Col. 3:14) Help me demonstrate unconditional love today, even to those who hurt me. I understand that even though I feel scarred, my emotions don’t have to control my actions. Father, may Your sweet words saturate my mind and direct my thoughts. Help me release the hurt and begin to love as Jesus loves.
> Lord, do not hold this sin against them. (Acts 7:60)
> Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
> Holy Spirit, I invite You to work within me, bringing freedom from the chains of bitterness. Transform my mind, renew my thoughts, and lead me on a path of healing and reconciliation. I surrender my pain to You, trusting that Your grace is sufficient for all things. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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Pray according to God's will
To pray according to God's will, one must first understand that God's will is clearly outlined in the Bible. Every situation that one may encounter in life has a solution and an answer written in the Bible. The Bible contains principles that one should apply to figure out the answers based on God's principles.
To pray according to God's will, one must ask for wisdom. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." In asking for wisdom, one must also trust that God is gracious and willing to answer prayers. James 1:6 says, "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt." Praying according to God's will includes asking for wisdom to know God's will and asking in faith to trust God's will.
One must also pray with the right motivation. Selfish motives will not be blessed by God. James 4:3 says, "You do not have because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." Instead, one should pray for the things for which the Bible commands prayer, such as praying for one's enemies, for God to send missionaries, that one does not enter temptation, and for ministers of the Word.
Additionally, one should pray with thanksgiving and persistence. No matter how burdened one is by their wants or needs, there is always something to be thankful for. One should also persevere in prayer and not quit or be dejected if they do not receive an immediate answer. Accepting God's judgment, submitting to His will, and continuing to pray are all part of praying in God's will.
Finally, one can rely on the Spirit of God in prayer. Romans 8:26-27 says, "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will."
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Pray with importunity
Praying with importunity is a dominant characteristic of a strong prayer life. It is a type of prayer that is big, bold, brash, and urgent. It is a prayer that someone who doesn't know God might not have the courage to pray. It is a prayer that requires persistence and faith.
The parable of the importunate friend in Luke 11:5-10 demonstrates the importance of praying with importunity. In the parable, a man goes to his friend's house at midnight and asks to borrow three loaves of bread to feed his unexpected guest. The friend initially refuses, citing that his family is already in bed. However, because of the man's persistent asking, the friend eventually gets up and gives him the bread.
Jesus used this parable to illustrate that we should approach God with bold and persistent prayers. It may feel uncomfortable or even rude to pray with such insistence, but Jesus sanctioned this type of prayer. It is through these prayers that we demonstrate our faith in God and our relationship with Him.
When praying with importunity, it is important to remember that it is not about being demanding or selfish. Instead, it is about pleading with God for the things we truly need and for the well-being of others. It is about aligning our prayers with God's will and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our petitions.
Praying with importunity does not guarantee that God will answer our prayers in the way we want or expect. Sometimes, the answer may be "no," "not now," or "be patient." It is important to discern God's will and trust that He knows what is best for us. Additionally, importuning will not avail when sin is present. God will not answer prayers that are motivated by wrong desires or disobedience.
However, praying with importunity can be powerful and effective. It demonstrates our faith and dependence on God, and it is through this type of prayer that we can receive answers to our prayers and experience God's power and provision in our lives.
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Frequently asked questions
Praying according to God's will is the way to get prayers answered all the time. God's will is outlined in the Bible, so reading it will help you understand what to pray for.
Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." He also said that before your prayer is complete, you must forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.
Sometimes, God answers prayers quickly, and sometimes it takes time. "No", "not now", and "be patient" are also answers, even if they are not the answers we want. A wise friend, priest, or spiritual director can help us discern God's will.
