Need Your Prayer Answered?

Do you feel like your prayers aren't being answered?  There are seasons in our lives when God sits silent even after constant pleading.  It normally happens when He's ready to move you to another place of knowing Him and His ability.  It can be a difficult process because we long to hear him speak words of wisdom, comfort and peace. In those times, patiently wait.  He will answer in His timing (which is always perfect).


Here are 4 tips that have helped me in my prayer life:

 

 

1.  Be specific.

 

Early in my twenties, I wanted to marry. My twin sister married her high school sweetheart immediately after we graduated college and it increased a desire for me to find my soul mate. Before her marriage, we were always together.

Childhood.  High school.  College. She was always there. 

Now she was leaving college with a new car, fiancee, and an exciting career. On the other hand, I was heading back to my parent's home with no job and no relationship that even looked like marriage might be on the horizon. It was a difficult time.

My mom encouraged me to pray specifically for what I wanted. Not for God just to bring a man my way but to pray for his characteristics, stature, and most importantly his relationship with Christ. They were life changing words for me. I followed her advice and months later, Alton walked into my life. Within five months we were engaged and ten months later, married.

I'm not here to say that all of your requests will come that quickly.  Only God knows the details of your life. Trust His timing and the process he takes you through to mature you in your faith.

2.  Pray and Claim God's promises.

 

 

It might seem cliche but it's true.  The Bible has all the answers you need.  Recite God's words in your prayers.  Declare His provision, His will, and His promises.  If you stand in need of physical healing, remember that by His stripes you are healed.  If you need freedom, remember that whom the Son sets free is free indeed.  If you need His blessings in your finances, remember that God longs to bless you.

 

Whatever your test might be, find scriptures that speak to your situation and recite them daily.  Write them on post it notes and hang them throughout your home.  Leave the word of God playing in your home ("Bible Experience" is a great Bible resource in cd format).  Change your atmosphere and watch God move mightily in your life!

 

 

3.  Be Persistent

 

Our relationship with God is not a "one and done" situation.  God's desire for our prayer life is clear in Ephesians 6:18 (TLB):

 

Pray all the time. Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit’s wishes. Plead with him, reminding him of your needs, and keep praying earnestly for all Christians everywhere.



 

4.  Fast and Pray

This is so much bigger than not eating.  That's one way to fast but what about giving up social media, tv, or your phone?  Fasting is a time that you set aside to seek God and set your requests before Him.  In the moments when you want to turn the tv back on or check your Facebook page, instead, pick up your Bible and read it.

Isaiah 58:6-9 is a great scripture to read when fasting and praying.  It shares God principles on getting your prayers "off the ground"! (Posted by Renee)

“This is the kind of fast day I’m after:
to break the chains of injustice,
get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
free the oppressed,
cancel debts.
What I’m interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
being available to your own families.
Do this and the lights will turn on,
and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
The God of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray, God will answer. You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’

If you would like us to join you in prayer for a specific need, please let us know how we can pray for you.  Contact us here.