Flipping channels some time back, I came across somebody (I don’t remember who) preaching on a Christian station, about unanswered prayers. I jotted down some notes on this interesting subject, and would like to share it with you - especially you people who have become discouraged when it seems that your prayers are not answered.
There are several things the Bible speaks of in regards to prayer. Here are four of those things:
1. Confession of Sin:
In Psalm 66:18 it says "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." It can’t be stated any plainer than that. Sin (inequity) must be confessed and forsaken. So perhaps we should confess our sins before praying?
2. Live a Life of Obedience:
Proverbs 28:9 says "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." Here is sounds clear that we should live in obedience to God's Word. Remember when Jesus said that we should treat others as we would have them treat us?
3. Give to Those in Need:
Proverbs 21:13 says "Who stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard." Imagine the alternative – hearing the cries of the poor (and helping to do something about it) and being heard when we pray!
4. Live a righteous life:
In the New Testament epistle, James 5:16, we learn that the prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective. This is consistent with the other three examples. We should strive to be righteous so that our prayers are powerful.
These are four statements from the Bible that have a bearing on the matter of prayer. In these verses, we know that we should confess our sins, live a life of obedience, give to the needy, and otherwise strive to be righteous.
Now you can search your own lives. Have you confessed your sins, hatreds, prejudices, etc., that are within you? Are you living by the Word of God? Do you donate anything to the needy, either in your country or abroad? Are you working to be righteous? If not, there is a way to help correct this.
Just turn your life over to Jesus by confessing to Him that you believe that He is the Son of God, asking Him to forgive you of your sins, asking Him to guide you in living a righteous life. Then, serious about your new life with Christ, study the Bible, live by His Word, and take another shot at having an effective prayer life.
By George Konig
Christian Internet Forum
www.georgekonig.org
November 16, 2003
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