Understanding Prayer and God's Answering

The act of praying is a profoundly intimate and significant interaction between the human spirit and the divine. Prayer is not about asserting our wills or demands, but rather about aligning our desires and concerns with God's will. It is a means to seek guidance, understanding, and ultimately, to find our direction in life.

Prayer and Alignment with God's Will

Prayer is about connecting with God, sharing our deepest desires, and partnering with His will. When we pray, we seek to bring our wills into harmony with His, rather than expecting immediate gratification. God hears every prayer, and His responses are always filled with love, wisdom, and the best intentions for our lives. It's important to trust that His responses, even when they may not align with our expectations, are always perfect.

John 4:22 from the Bible vividly captures this idea: “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him because we keep obey His commandments, and do practice those things that are pleasing in His sight.” This passage underscores the importance of following God's commandments and aligning our actions with His will, which can lead to answered prayers.

God's Responses: Yes, No, or Wait

Importantly, God does not always answer prayers in the way we expect or on our timetable. Sometimes, the answer to prayer is simply "yes," "no," or "not yet." For instance, if we are obeying God's commands and doing what is pleasing in His sight, we are more likely to see answers to our prayers. However, it's crucial to understand that God may choose not to give us what we want, especially if it goes against His divine purpose.

Prayer as a Tool for Building Relationships

Prayer serves as a powerful tool for building a relationship with God. It allows us to share our hearts' concerns and desires with Him, fostering a deep and meaningful connection. When we pray, we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and seek His guidance, which leads to a closer relationship with Him. Prayer also aligns our wills with His, making us more receptive to His will and guidance in our lives.

Patience and Perseverance

While God does answer prayers, sometimes the answer comes in a delayed manner. There might be a significant time lag before a tangible response is received. It could take months or even years for a prayer to be answered. Patience, therefore, is a vital virtue when it comes to praying and waiting for God's response.

To maximize the chances of receiving God's answers, it's essential to be WOKE (Willing to Observe, Keep, and Execute). This means staying attentive to any subtle signs or opportunities that God may present. When you are WOKE, you can pick up on the subtle signs that your angels are sending, making it easier to act on them.

God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

The saying, "God helps those who help themselves," encapsulates the idea that getting involved in solving your own problems with positive action can accelerate the process of receiving God's help. Engaging in positive actions and taking proactive steps towards your goals can indeed bring you closer to the answers you seek.

Conclusion

In conclusion, prayer is a discourse with God, an attempt to align our lives with His will, and a means to seek His presence and direction. While God answers prayers, the nature of His answers can vary, and it often requires patience and a WOKE mindset to fully perceive and act upon them.

Remember, trust in God's perfect timing and trust in His ultimate wisdom and love. Even when answers may come later than expected or in a form different from what we initially wish for, these answers are always in our best interest.

References

John 4:22

Guideposts magazine and books such as “His Mysterious Ways” provide inspiring stories and accounts of how people have experienced God's guidance and divine intervention.