And this is the
confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his
will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know
that we have the petitions that we desired of him – 1 John 5:14-15
Have you ever been in prayer and suddenly had the disturbing sensation
that God simply wasn’t listening and you begin to whine and complain? How many
of us? It’s happened to most of us. But few of us know just what to do about
it. We just limp along praying the same old prayers, half-hoping those prayers
are heard and half-suspecting they’re not. To secure God’s hearing, our prayers have to
be according to His will. James 4:3 Ye ask,
and
receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Remember, circumstances change but not God as He is the same yesterday, today
and forever. Circumstances/situations are temporary and subject to change. .God
is bigger than any situation/circumstance you are facing.
God has only promised to listen to prayers that are prayed according
to His will. The Apostle John says when you pray like that, you’ll know that
you have the petitions you desire of Him. God is never going to change as He is
the same yesterday, today and forever. His will is too. So don’t waste your
time thinking if He is listening. Ephesians 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what
the will of the Lord is. God wants us to be thankful both in good times and
bad times. 1Thessalonians 5:18 - In all things give thanks, for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. It’s easy to give thanks
when things are going rosy, but the really test of your faith in God is when
things are not working. We are to thank God no matter what happens for this is
the will of God for us We can never miss
it if you give thanks to God. If you don’t know what to do in any given
situation, give thanks.
When you focus on God, Satan fizzles out. Impossibilities lose their
definition. Put your focus on God and His word which is His will.
God has made some specific promises in His word and it’s His will to
fulfil every one of them in your life and my life. We are to search the
scriptures. Everything you and I will ever need are wrapped up in the Bible.
The Bible is the last will and testament of our inheritance. God has only
promised to listen to prayers that are prayed according to His will. The
Apostle John says when you pray like that, you’ll know that you have the
petitions you desire of Him. That’s what 1John 5:14 is
referring to. You are assured the answer is on the way when you
pray according to His will.
The word petition is defined as “a formal, written request
addressed to a sovereign superior for a particular right or grace,” and that’s
exactly what you need when you’re praying about something serious.
How do you put together a solid petition, one that’s in line with the
will of God?
First, you’ll have to roll up your sleeves and dig into the written Word
of God. Find scriptures that apply to your situation and make those the
foundation for your petition. Then get on your knees and consult with the Holy
Spirit. Let Him help you develop your petition in detail. The best way to do
that is to spend time praying in other tongues. (See Romans 8:26-27.) Expect God to reveal things from His heart
to yours. He wants you to know His will. So, while you’re praying, listen!
Last of all, write it down. Make a formal written request by writing
down every scripture you find. Also, as you’re listening to the Holy Spirit for
the details, write down the impressions and ideas He gives you.
Take your time. Let the Spirit develop your prayer. Let the truth He
reveals to you settle in and begin to work in you. Get your petition firmly in
mind, then when you’re ready, present it to God.
Believe me, He’ll be listening.
