Prayer is a wonderful practice, but, do you receive the answers you are looking for? I wonder if most of the answers, we receive, do not disappoint us?

The list of King Davids prayers is long and varied. From his time of running from King Saul to praying for his first child with Bathsheba. Most were answered in the affirmative, this last one was not.

He was a man after Gods’ heart, a faithful servant. He was a Righteous man, who sinned. He fasted, prayed and wore sackcloth because the baby was afflicted, having been born of lust, and murder. (2 Samual 11-12)

He desired life for the child, but, ‘the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.‘. (2 Samual 11:27). The child died.

Davids reaction? He cleaned up and Praised the Lord. How could he do this?

He realized this was Gods punishment for the sin in his life, and he knew what he must do.

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

He turned to, not away from the Lord. We need to understand ‘Prayer Is Powerful.’

“The effectual fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much.”. (James 5:7)

Our actions may help or hinder our prayers. The first thing we need to do is take a page from Abraham.

“He believed in the Lord, and he counted it to him for righteousness.“

When our eyes and ears are opened to Gods love, we gladly believe and accept Salvation. It is sad that we do not expect His other promises to be as easy and true.

So we must be ‘transformed by the renewing of our minds’ (Romans 12:2).

This only comes about as we seek the Lord, in prayer, praise, and the study of His Word, and by the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Solomon and Hezekiah both had major Prayers answered. (1Kings 3:3-15)

Solomon had a dream. The Lord asked what he desired? In this dream, he recognized he didn’t know how to Govern Gods people. He asked for an Understanding Heart, so he could judge and lead the people Righteously.

The Lord granted his request and added Widom, Knowledge, Riches and Honor, so none before or after was as Wise.

The people were blessed as long as he walked in the Lord’s way as his father David had.

Hezekiah had a different experience. (2 Kings 19-20).

Israel was threatened by Sennacherib king of Assyria. He prayed and the Lord promised deliverance. Later we find.

“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.” (2 Kings 20:1)

His prayer was a reminder to the Lord, of how he was Righteous, and he walked with God, in truth, with a perfect heart and had done well.

He prayed for himself, the Lord answered his prayer and healed him. The Lord gave him a sign, the sun moved backward.

He was given a letter and a visit, from the King of Babylon. He showed him all the Treasures of Israel. Isaiah returned.

He was told all these Treasures would be taken to Babylon and his people, become slaves, after his death.

Hezekiah answered:

“Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?“. (2 Kings 20:19)

Not a shred of concern for his people. So why was this prayer answered in his favor?

“The effectual fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much.”. (James 5:7)

Saints, please think of what you are asking, what it is that concerns you, and how the answer to your prayer may affect others.

As Righteous people, (those saved, sanctified, people who believe and trust God), can change the World. Our best prayers are for others and for Wisdom in sharing the Love of God.

Are your prayers for good, or could they harm others?

Is sin, or an ‘evil heart of unbelief,’ (Hebrews 2,:12), the cause of your prayers failure?

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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