Counsel of Spiritual Life
Counsel #5 — Conditions To Answered Prayer
Picture: Counsel #5 — Conditions To Answered Prayer CSL 39.1
Are there conditions to answered prayer? Does God always listen to every prayer? Does having faith mean we think of God as some celestial genie who sends us what we want on demand? CSL 39.2
The Bible has quite a bit to say about how to approach God in prayer and how we can be sure there’s nothing in our lives that could obstruct our communication with Him.[35] Hanging on to cherished sins can prevent your prayers from being answered (Psalms 66:18). CSL 39.3
- Believe the promises of God are for you, in God’s timing (Matthew 21:22).
- Don’t quit praying. Be persistent and tenacious in prayer. Most of us are tempted to quit too soon (Luke 18:1).
- Be willing to submit your will, dreams, ambitions, and affections to God (1 John 5:14).
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2 NKJV CSL 39.4
“There are certain conditions upon which we may expect that God will hear and answer our prayers.” Ellen White in Prayer, p. 101 CSL 39.5
Reflect: Which of the three conditions to answered prayer listed here do you struggle with the most? CSL 39.6