GOD WILL BE LISTENING

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.