Does God Answer Prayers?

James 4:3

"Even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure" (NLT).

Life is tough, and sometimes, God is seemingly silent. This problem is a concern felt by many and the barrier to some people's faith. If God is all-loving and cares about us, why does He not speak to us amid our pain? How can we go through such terrible things and not receive any guidance or comfort in return? These oquestions smetime weigh heavily on our hearts.

But what if God wasn't silent at all, but we merely have not taken the opportunity to be silent and listen to Him? God desires to reach into our lives and radically alter the path we are on. He wants to meet our needs and bring us joy and peace, the likes of which we have never known before.

How do we hear God's answers to our prayers?

Create Space to Listen

Our lives are filled with numerous distractions and a lot of noise. It can be hard to find the space and time required to truly listen. We may find a moment to cry out to God, seeking help, but do we take the time necessary to hear and receive that help? We often move on quickly and conclude that our prayers have not reached God's ears when indeed, He is trying to reach us. " Listen and hear my voice; Listen carefully and hear my words" (Isaiah 28:23, AMP).

Keep an Open Mind

God does answer prayers, but sometimes the answer He provides is not the answer that we want; it does not align with our human desires. When that happens, accept His response. Don't be so set in the answer you want to satisfy yourself that you are unwilling to hear other options. Remember, prayer often is not to change God's mind, but to align our hearts to His will for us: "I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart" (Ezekiel 36:26, NLT).

Seek God in Everything

It is impossible to hear God's voice if we are not attuned to Him in our everyday lives. Look for signs of God's presence in your daily activities, at home, work, school, and even at the grocery store. Notice the little things where God's love shines: a loving word from your spouse, a hug from your kids, or a kind word from a stranger. Recognize that even though situations may be challenging, God is still at work. This awakening to His continual presence will allow you to hear better when He speaks to You. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:26, ESV).

Continue praying, even when it's hard to hear God's voice. Consistency is key. God answers prayers, but not always in the way we expect. Be patient, keep an open mind, and seek Him in everything you do. If you, you can rest assured that He sees you, He hears you, and will answer every prayer you send His way.

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