Why Do Some Individuals Get Their Prayers Answered And Others Do Not

Why Do Some Individuals Get Their Prayers Answered and Others Do Not (Heb 4:15-18)

Have you ever known some people who seem to get their prayers answered when others do not? What is the reason why some people seem to have an inside track into God’s favor, blessings and solutions?

An unknown author wrote:

I asked for health that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked God for strength that I might achieve;

I was made weak that I might learn to obey.

I asked for riches that I might be happy;

I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power and the praise of men;

I was given weakness to sense my need for God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;

I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing I asked for but everything I hoped for;

In spite of myself, my prayers were answered

I am among all men most richly blessed.

God always give grace that is sufficient for our need since Father knows best!

Illustration: The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. --Proverbs 15:29

Sportswriter Waddy Spoelstra and his wife Jean are both octogenarians who demonstrate each day the importance of a life of faith in Jesus Christ.

Jean has suffered from congestive heart failure for 3 years. After she had a medical checkup last fall, her doctor announced, "Your heart is good and your lungs are clear. It seems that both are in the process of healing." When Waddy responded with "Praise the Lord," the physician replied, "That’s it. You two have positive attitudes. You believe in answered prayer. As I’ve said before, prayer is a big part of medical care."

It’s exciting to hear a doctor acknowledging the connection between prayer and patient care. It’s not a new idea, though. Studies have shown that prayer can accelerate the healing process, whether it’s the patient or others who do the praying.

But we don’t really need studies to prove that prayer works. God’s Word tells us it does.

Have you spent time talking to the Lord about your trials? He knows how to meet your needs--whether through His direct intervention (Ps. 34:17) or through the comfort of His presence (v.18). Trust Him today with your heart. --JDB

Prayer brings us peace and gives us power

To walk the Christian way;

Prayer links us with the living God--

Therefore we need to pray. --Anon.

Daily prayers are the best remedy

for daily cares. (Our Daily Bread)

1. The Holy Spirit helps us the necessary conditions for answered prayer. Jesus said, "If you live in Me (abide vitally united to Me) and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it will be done for you." (John 15:7) Ask God to help you live IN Him with all of your heart, soul, strength and mind, so that you can see more of your prayers answered.

2. The Holy Spirit shows us how to encourage people to confess their sins of omission, commission, disposition and faulty perceptions. David wrote, "If I cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." (Psalm 66:18) Ask the Lord to encourage people to confess ALL of their sins before the Lord.

Illustration: I will remember the works of the Lord. —Psalm 77:11

In 1970, Ronald Dunn began keeping a record of answered prayers and special blessings in a little book. He misplaced the book but found it again several years later at a time when his faith was floundering. He was surprised that he had forgotten most of the incidents he had written about.

As he was reading, something happened. "My memory of God’s faithfulness was revived and my sagging faith began to recover," he said. "Remembering had restored my confidence in the Lord." Dunn now encourages Christians to keep a book of remembrance, recording God’s activity in their lives. "One day," he writes, "it may mean the difference between victory and defeat."

In Psalm 77, Asaph’s faith was also floundering. After listing his serious doubts, he asked, "Has God forgotten to be gracious?" (v.9). Suddenly he stopped and said: "I will remember the years of [God’s] right hand . . . . I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old" (vv.10-11). The act of remembering obviously revived his faith. Just read the rest of the psalm!

Why not create your own book of remembrance, recording God’s wonderful deeds? Then read it often, especially on days of doubt. —JEY

When faith grows weak and doubts arise

Recall God’s love and tender care;