Vol.5 No.2

Q. Sometimes I pray, but God doesn't answer my prayers. Why doesn't He respond?

A. There are three conditions to answered prayer.

The first one is faith: "'But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering" (James 1:6). Also Jesus gives us the assurance that if we ask and believe that we have received, we shall have it (Mark 11:24).

The second condition is that we should not have any cherished sins. The psalmist says, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me"' (Psalms 66:18). Our sins separate us from God (Isaiah 59:2), and if our request has a wrong motivation, or is not for our best good, it will not be fulfilled;

"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts"(James 4:3). The prayer of him who disregards Gods law is even an abomination (Proverbs 28:9).

The third condition to answered prayer is that we forgive those who have wronged us: "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses"' (Mark 11:25).

Vol.6 No.3

Q. How many times should I pray daily?

A. David wrote, "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray..." (Psalm 55:17). Daniel also prayed three times a day (Daniel 6:10). These are good guidelines to follow for "secret prayer" times (Matthew 6:6). The greatest victories are often gained on our knees, where no other ear can hear our petitions to God. We must set aside time from our busy schedules to commune with God alone, where we may hear Him speaking to us.

The Bible also says, "Praying always..." (Ephesians 6:18), and "Pray without ceasing," (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We cannot be on our knees all day long, but we can have a constant prayerful spirit, sending silent petitions heavenward.

Prayer is one of the most effective defenses against Satan. By watching and praying constantly, whether it be on our knees or while we are working, we may be kept from temptation (Matthew 26:41).

Vol.6 No.5

Q. How can we be certain that God hears our prayers?

A. God's Word encourages us to "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6).

First, we must start with faith: "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive" (Matthew 21:22).

Next, we must be prepared to obey God: "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry" (Psalm 34:15). Why? "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18). "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts' (James 4:3).

Then, we must pray according to the will of God: "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him" (1 John 5:14, 15).

Following this, we should seek forgiveness and reconciliation with anyone we have wronged or who has wronged us: "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses" (Mark 11:25,26).

When we have fulfilled all these other conditions, we may with confidence ask all things in His name: "If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it" (John 14:14).