How Does God Answer Prayer?

From a cursory reading of the Bible, we know and understand that God does indeed answer prayer (Matthew 6:5-15; Matthew 7:7-12; 1 John 3:21-22; 1 John 5:14-15; cf. John 9:31; John 15:7; James 1:5-6; James 5:13-18).

Now the question is asked, "How does God answer prayer?" The following are some biblical answers to this question:

• Sometimes, God says, "No" in answer to our prayers  — Note the prayer of Jesus in Matthew 26:39-44 and Paul's prayer in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

• Sometimes, God says, "Slow" in answer to our prayers  — His answer to our prayers are delayed for our benefit (cf. Psalm 22:1-8; Psalm 40:1-4; Luke 18:1-7).

• Sometimes, God says, "Grow" in answer to our prayers (John 11)  — Mary and Martha asked Jesus to come and heal their brother, Lazarus, of a sickness. Jesus purposefully delayed His coming for two days so that (1) He could demonstrate His power in raising Lazarus from the dead, proving to them that He was indeed God's Son, and (2) so that their faith might grow and increase (John 11:37-45).

• Sometimes, God says, "Go" in answer to our prayers  — Solomon asked for wisdom and received it (1 Kings 3:7-14). The disciples prayed for Peter's release from prison, and their prayer was answered (Acts 12:1-17). In fact, God often gives us more than we ask for (Ephesians 3:20).

The bottom line in all of the above is:

1) Don't forget to pray (Philippians 4:6), because God answers prayers.
2) Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17); cf. Luke 18:1-8; Psalm 55:16-17)  — our praying must be persistent and consistent.

 —Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets