There has been renewed interest in recent days concerning the topic of prayer. Current events such as the tragic bombing in Boston and our nation’s 62nd annual observance of the National Day of Prayer this past Thursday have brought prayer to the forefront.
But does prayer really make a difference? Are prayers actually answered?
A few years ago, Garth Brooks had a hit single entitled “Unanswered Prayers.” In unique Garth style, he belts out the chorus, “I thank God for unanswered prayers.”
Sometimes people feel that their prayers are not getting past the ceiling. They may pray and pray but then they wait and wait, with no visible results. Does this mean those prayers are going unanswered?
First of all, what does the Bible say about answered prayer?
The Bible promises us that God hears the Christian’s prayer but not the prayers of the unsaved (John 9:31, 1 Peter 3:12). God has also promised to answer the prayers of Christians (John 15:7, 16:24, Matt. 7:7, Eph. 3:20). Those who have never accepted Christ as their personal Savior are separated from God because of their sin (Isaiah 59:2).
In order to have assurance that your prayers are heard and will be answered, you must first make certain that you are God’s child, a born again believer in Jesus as Savior and Lord, a Christian. You can make sure right now. It’s as easy as ABC:
Admit you are a sinner and you are in need of forgiveness (Rom. 3:23, 1 John 1:9)
Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and was raised from the dead (Acts 16:31)
Confess with your mouth and from your heart that Jesus is Lord and Savior (Rom. 10:9)
Once you have received Jesus into your life, you can stand upon God’s Word that He will hear and answer your prayers. There are no unanswered prayers in the life of a Christian. The answer may not be the one you want but it will come according to God’s infinitely perfect wisdom and plan. God’s answers may come with a yes, no or wait, but God does answer prayers prayed by His children.
Our nation is in need of prayer. We are seeing on our own streets today the same types of activity that are common in third world countries. There are bombings, mass killings, poverty, economic unrest and a great dependence on foreign nations.
Our government leaders seem to be at odds over everything from the national budget to healthcare reform and everything in between. There is no agreement and unity. The definition of marriage and family is even under attack.
America is in need of repentance, forgiveness and restoration. God promises, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.” (2 Chronicles 7:14-15, NKJV).
Calling all believers: Do you care enough to pray?
The Rev. Mike Dixon is pastor of Sandy Bottom Baptist Church. Reach him at mdixon@suddenlink.net.