A common misconception that many feel good churches put out is that if you just pray, God will listen and your prayers will be answered.  Unfortunately, I can’t say that it is true.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 the qualifier of a prayer being heard is a humble heart, seeking (yearning) for God, and repenting of wicked ways, THEN God will hear their prayers.

Wait… be humbled and repentant…  but all I have to do is pray and all is good.  Right?

As a husband…. come on you other husbands I know you hear me, there are time where I may be more irritable than I should be.  And of course, if I don’t put my pride in check, I can go to bed angry.  1 Peter 3 gives us men a bit of a warning “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

Wait… hindered…  but all I have to do is pray and all is good.  Right?

Some things are more blatant than others.  Praying for that shiny new luxury sports car probably won’t get much attention.  1 John 5 says prayers are heard if “we ask according to His will…”  I am just guessing an expensive new toy isn’t according to His will.

Wait… according to His will…  but all I have to do is pray and all is good.  Right?

That type of prayer is further chastised in James 4:1-17 with “When you ask, you do not receive because you are asking for a wrong purpose, so that you may spend it on your fleshly desires.”

Wait… asking for a wrong purpose…  but all I have to do is pray and all is good.  Right?

So how do prayers get heard and answered?  First recognize His sovereignty to grant or deny your request as the all-powerful one true God.  Second, this is my opinion, don’t focus on praying for yourself.  Jesus already said the Father will take care of his children.  But let your requests be from a heart to help others in things that will bring them closer to Him.   Yes, that means a prayer for your wife  or husband to get that luxury sports car is also out of the question.

My hope is to see my family, friends and fellow sojourners on this site in Heaven.  Nothing else during our time on this earth really matters.  Pray earnestly with a pure heart for others with the right motives… and yes God is sure to year your prayers.

Blessings

Rick Rios