Does prayer work for some and not others?

It’s a question that’s usually asked out of frustration and, sometimes, even anger.

Here’s the better question: Is your heart right with God and are you praying with the right intentions?

Prayer does work and God does answer them, but just remember, His answer may not be the answer you were hoping for. He will answer your prayers in one of three different ways, and that answer depends on His providential will regarding your particular circumstances-

God can reply:

1. “Yes” (We all want that answer, right?)
2. “No” (This is the answer that hurts sometimes, but God knows best.)
3. “Not now” (This is an answer that can also hurt, but only God has perfect timing. Even though that thing you prayed for seems to be the most pressing issue in your life right now, God may decide that it’s better for you to wait.)

Bottom Line: Keep praying!

Don’t give up on God because you didn’t get the answer you were looking for. Someone actually said to me once: “I did pray and God didn’t answer the way I wanted Him too. He has forsaken me.”

Remember, He hasn’t given up on you and He hasn’t forsaken you at all.

We must trust Him even when life doesn’t seem fair. Don’t blame God that sin entered the world. We’re dealing with the repercussions of that to this day.

As our Heavenly Father, He cares for us more deeply than any earthly parent would care for their child. His saying “no” or “not now,” even when it doesn’t appear to make sense or doesn’t seem fair at the time, is the most loving thing He can do. You may not understand it now, but you will someday, if you trust Him. That’s what faith is all about. He grieves over the sins of this world right along with us.

Examine Your Heart Before You Pray

Prayer is also about gratitude. Prayer isn’t simply a means for us to ask God for things. He’s not a magic genie and He’s definitely not tied to those nutty chain letters that promise a miracle will happen if you forward the letter to 10 of your closest friends.

You should examine your heart before you pray. Are your prayers full of selfish wants? Have you put your own desires aside to thank Him for His blessings? Are you even showing your gratitude to the One who gave you life?

The Bible tells us that, as we go through life, we will face many challenges. Sometimes the only thing we can do is pray for guidance.

It’s okay to go it alone, but sometimes the best thing is to ask for prayer support from our Bible-believing family and friends.

When’s the last time you shared a painful experience with a Christian friend and asked him or her to pray with you? You may be surprised at how quickly they can’t wait to do so.

You’re not alone, you know.

The immense support you can receive from a fellowship of believers can help sustain you through the difficult times. It has happened to me.

A Resource That May Be Helpful For You

If you don’t have that intimate prayer support, I want to share with you a resource that might help you.

It’s called “Prayer Works.”

You can find here.

http://www.fromhisheart.org/prayer/prayerworks

It’s part of Pastor Jeff Schreve’s “From His Heart Ministry” website. Simply visit the site and submit your request for prayer.

Christians visiting the site have the opportunity to read your request and then can pray for you. That’s a good thing, but I think the even better thing is that you can check the option to be notified anonymously when someone lifts you up in prayer.

What could be more encouraging than that?

For example, imagine that you’ve just lost your job and you have no idea how you will support your family. Your situation seems hopeless. You want to ask for prayer, but don’t have anywhere to turn. Go to the Prayer Works section of the site and list your request there. Those little “I’m praying for you” notifications you can receive during the stressful days ahead are like little beacons of hope in the darkest of circumstances.

Here’s Ricky Skaggs singing “Somebody’s Praying.” I urge you to listen to this song. It’s hard to hold back tears when you ponder the meaning of the song.

Even Mr. Skaggs chokes up.

God bless!