“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 21:22
When I started writing the articles for this week, I did not have a theme, just going to write about several things that the Lord had laid on my heart. But as I began to write, I realize that they all did have a common thread – different ways that prayers are answered. We have looked at several characters in the Bible, and the answers they received to their prayers. I was impressed that this final article should deal with times when the Lord answered “Yes” to the requests brought before Him.
Hannah prayed and the Lord gave her Samuel. 1Samuel 1:27 “For this child I prayed, and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:”
Hezekiah prayed and the Lord extended his life and gave them victory over the Assyrians. II Kings 19:20
Jonah prayed and the Lord delivered him. Jonah 2:1-2 “Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly, And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.”
Acts 4:31 “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”
These are just a few scriptures giving examples of people praying, and God hearing and answering, granting their petitions. Take some time to find more examples as you read your Bible this week.
Jesus gave us some guidelines for prayer when He taught His disciples to pray. The Lord’s Prayer is not just something for us to recite, but a model and pattern of prayer for us to follow. It includes praise, worship, forgiveness of others, asking according to God’s will, trusting God to meet our needs, and desiring to be led by His Holy Spirit.
This week we have learned that God always answers our prayers, but not always in the way that we would wish. As we learn to seek His will and ask Him to direct us in our prayers, we will usually receive the answer “Yes.” Other times He may say “No,” because He knows it is not good for us. Or, He may test us a bit and ask us to “Wait.”
The important message is that we pray. Nothing takes the place of a slot and a spot every day where we talk to the Lord and listen to His voice.
Ephesians 6:17 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I ask that you will be with each one that has been reading these words this week. As they spend time in prayer, may their ears be open to receive the answers that you give them. Help us all to draw closer to you.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
4 Comments
What a lovely devotional! I started searching apostolic women’s daily devotionals. This is the first one I clicked on.
thank you, I am glad you found this and enjoyed it.
So much daily encouragement. Thank you.
You are very welcome.