Learning to Pray Prayers God Will Answer

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

I have noticed that there is an expression I often use when I write Fresh Manna or when I’m teaching or talking about prayer. That expression is true heart-faith in prayer. I know what I mean when I say it but as I was rereading something I wrote, I had a quick thought; “Do others know what I mean by the words true heart-faith in prayer?

When I was a young Christian, I had about as much faith in my prayers as I did in rubbing a rabbit’s foot or breaking a wishbone. I had no real faith that God would ever hear or answer my prayers. That isn’t a good thing! That would be similar to a young child thinking his parents had no time for him/her and had no faith they cared about or would do anything for them. God loves us more than the most loving parent ever could, and wants us to put faith in Him.

Although God loves us, He isn’t a mythical genie to bring about our every whim! Our prayers must be aligned with His will. To have faith in God answering your prayers, you need to know what His will is! God makes the importance of knowing His will and having faith in it clear in 1 John 5:14-15 (NIV). “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us–whatever we ask–we know that we have what we asked of Him.”

I love reading about Daniel because Daniel was a gracious, God-fearing, and God-loving man who knew God’s will and prayed often about it. He modeled true heart-faith for us to learn from.

Daniel was a young leader in Israel who along with others, had been taken captive to Babylon. Over time, he had been promoted from a captive slave to the top aide and ruler under the pagan King Nebuchadnezzar. One day the king was upset over a dream he had but did not understand. None of his wisest advisers could help him interpret it. It made the King so mad he planned on killing every one of his wise men. When Daniel heard about it, this is how he handled the situation.

Daniel 2:16-20 (NLT2) “Daniel went at once to see the king and requested more time to tell the king what the dream meant. Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon. That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power.”

Daniel then gave the interpretation to the king that God had showed him. Daniel saved not only their lives but the lives of all the pagan wise men who hated Daniel also. The mercy of God touches the just and unjust.

Here is what Daniel’s life reflected.

First, he had an intimate relationship with God. He had confidence that he could go to God in prayer and that God would help Him. This confidence and knowing is having true heart-faith in prayer. Something that only comes as you become acquainted with God and His will through the study of the word and through prayer.

Secondly, he had a group of godly, trustworthy friends whom he could take a problem to knowing they had true heart-faith in prayer and would pray along with him.

Third, Daniel never became elevated in pride because of his answered prayers. He never took credit to make himself look good. He gave all the glory to God with great thanksgiving. This is sincere intimacy with God that creates true heart-faith in prayer to the one who alone helps us succeed through life! Learning what God’s will is, is worth the effort. Learning to pray in true heart-faith will change your life forever! Draw close to the Lord! He is a rewarder of those that do!

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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One thought on “Learning to Pray Prayers God Will Answer”

Pastor Tim

March 27, 2014 at 6:01 am

God does answer our prayers but He does not take our own free will and right to choose. This is why not everyone gets saved. God wants all people to be saved but we have to make that choice. He tried to influence our choice. Likewise, He doesn’t make your children do anything because they have their own will to make their choices. Your prayers help being godly influence before their life to help that see the need for Jesus but they still have to accept or reject those influences. Keep praying for them as your prayers are powerful and do cause things to happen in their life that bring thoughts of God to them.
Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV) “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” I hope this helps you! Pastor Tim

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