HOW DOES GOD ANSWER OUR PRAYERS?

Does Jehovah really answer prayers?  Yes, indeed! We have a  firm basis to be confident that the "Hearer of prayer" answers sincere prayers offered by millions of humans. (Psalm 65:2) Jehovah's  answer to our prayers may come in a variety of ways. 

Jehovah uses his angels and his earthly servants to answer prayers. (Hebrews 1:13, 14) There have been many experiences of individuals who prayed to God for help to understand the Bible and were soon thereafter contacted by one of Jehovah's servants.  Such experiences give evidence of angelic direction of the Kingdom preaching work.  (Revelation 14:6)  To answer our prayers offered in a time of real need, Jehovah may motivate  a Christian to come to our aid. - Proverbs 12:25; James 2:16. (Note: Jehovah will sometimes make exceptions. he himself, will help us understand under certain circumstances or situations)

Jehovah God also uses his holy spirit and his Word, the Bible, to answer the prayers of his servants.  He may answer our prayers for help  to cope with trials by giving us guidance and strength  by means of his holy spirit.  (2 Corinthians 4:7)  Often the answer to our prayers for direction comes from the Bible, where Jehovah gives us help in making wise decisions.  Helpful scriptures may be found during  our personal Bible study and as we read Christian publications, such as this book.  Scriptural points that we need to consider  may  be brought  to our attention by what  is said at a Christian meeting or through the comments of a concerned elder in the congregation. -Galatians 6:1. 

If Jehovah seems to delay in answering our prayers, this is never because he is not able to answer them. Rather, we must remember  that Jehovah answers prayers according to his will and in his due time.  He knows our needs and how to care for them far better than we do.  Often he allows us to 'keep on asking, seeking, and knocking." (Luke 11:5-10)  Such perseverance shows God that  our desire is very deep and that our faith is genuine.  Furthermore, Jehovah may answer our prayers in a way that is not obvious to us.  For example,  he may answer our prayer regarding a particular trial, not by removing the difficulty, but  by giving us the strength to endure it. - Philippians  4:13. (note: of course, it depends on the situation or circumstances of that trial, for example, he would not want you to sit and take beatings from a husband that beats on his wife, or take beatings from a wife; although that is rare, you find a way to get away from it.  I was being abused, so he gave me the guidance and a little help from someone) 

How thankful we can be that the Creator of this vast universe is close to all who call upon him properly in prayer!  (Psalm 145:18) May we take full advantage of the precious privilege of prayer . If we do, we will have the joyous prospect of drawing ever closer to Jehovah the Hearer of prayer. 

Next time: Baptism and Your Relationship With God, Chapter Eighteen

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006