Draw Close to God in Prayer

HOW GOD ANSWERS OUR PRAYERS

Does Jehovah really answer prayers?  Yes, indeed! We have  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. 

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 an dhow 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 our faith is genuine. Furthermore, Jehovah may answer our prayers in 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. 

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 of drawing ever closer to Jehovah, the Hearer of Prayer. 

Next time: CHAPTER EIGHTEEN; Baptism and Your Relationship With God

From the book: WHAT DOES THE BIBLE REALLY TEACH?