Brethren, in our walk with the Lord, there is no greater pursuit than the pursuit of answered prayers. As we all know, prayer is our direct line to Heaven; it is how we communicate with our Father. And He is willing to answer, for He declared in Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” However, not every prayer receives an answer. This brings us to the need for strategically designed prayer points for answered prayers. This is your manual for unlocking heavens and witnessing a downpour of divine responses.
The Biblical Mandate for Answered Prayers
The Bible is not silent about the potency and necessity of prayer. It is filled with numerous accounts of individuals who called upon the Lord and received remarkable answers. Take Hannah for instance; her deep agony and heartfelt supplication before the Lord resulted in the birth of the Prophet Samuel. 1 John 5:14-15 gives us a clear blueprint: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.” It is God’s will to answer our prayers, but the alignment of our requests with His divine will is crucial.
Obstacles to Answered Prayers
You might wonder, ‘I’ve been praying, why aren’t my prayers being answered?’ My brother, my sister, there are obstacles that can hinder your prayers, including:
Sin: The Barrier Between Man and God
The foremost obstacle to receiving answered prayers is sin. As the Prophet Isaiah makes clear in Isaiah 59:1-2, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He will not hear.” Sin creates a chasm between us and God, making it impossible for our prayers to be heard, let alone answered.
Doubt: The Enemy of Faith
Doubt is a destructive force that can nullify the power of prayer. James 1:6-7 tells us, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.” Doubt essentially cancels out faith, rendering our prayers ineffective.
Wrong Motives: Asking Amiss
Sometimes we pray, but we pray with the wrong motives, which can prevent our prayers from being answered. James 4:3 cautions us by saying, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” Your heart’s condition and your motives are transparent to God; therefore, selfish or impure motives can be a roadblock to answered prayers.
Lack of Persistence: Giving Up Too Soon
Jesus encourages persistent prayer, likening it to a persistent widow who bothered a judge until she got justice (Luke 18:1-8). Giving up on prayer too soon shows a lack of faith and trust in God’s timing, which could be a potential barrier to receiving what you’ve asked for.
Disobedience: Ignoring God’s Commands
Last but not least, disobedience to God’s statutes and commands can be a significant hindrance. Proverbs 28:9 says, “One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.” When we intentionally and continually break God’s laws, we shouldn’t expect Him to answer our prayers favorably.
Understanding these obstacles can help us avoid pitfalls in our quest for answered prayers. By addressing each obstacle appropriately, we clear the path for our supplications to reach the heavens and for God’s blessings to rain down upon us.
The Power of Fervent Prayer
James 5:16 assures us that “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Fervency denotes intensity and energy. It’s not merely mumbling words but passionately pleading your case before the Lord. Recall how Elijah, a man just like us, prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and heavens were shut for three and a half years. The potency of your prayer does not depend solely on the multiplicity of words but the fervency and purity behind them.
Spiritual Weapons for Effective Prayers
Brethren, let’s not be ignorant of the spiritual armory available for our use. Ephesians 6:17-18 tells us, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” We must weaponize our prayers with the Word of God, praying not just in our understanding but also in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Ghost to guide us into realms of divine mysteries.
Prayer Points for Answered Prayers
- Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege to come before You. Your Word says in Psalm 100:4 that we should enter into Your gates with thanksgiving.
- Lord, I ask for the grace to pray in alignment with Your will. Let my requests mirror Your desires for my life, as outlined in Jeremiah 29:11.
- Holy Spirit, enlighten the eyes of my understanding. Help me discern the hindrances to my unanswered prayers, and give me the wisdom to remove them.
- Father, infuse my prayer life with fervency. Let the fire of prayer be ignited in my spirit, consuming every form of lukewarmness.
- Every spirit of doubt, fear, and unbelief affecting my prayer life, I bind you in the name of Jesus. My faith shall not be shaken.
- I declare that every obstacle to my answered prayers is removed. The heavens above me are open, and I am set for divine manifestations.
- Lord, let my prayers rise as incense before You, and may Your angels bring me swift answers.
- Father, by faith, I receive answers to all my prayers. I shall have whatsoever I say, according to Mark 11:24.
- For every seed of prayer I’ve sown in tears, I am reaping a harvest of joy and testimonies. My mourning is turned into dancing.
- I seal these prayer points for answered prayers with the blood of Jesus. My testimonies are sure, and my breakthroughs are guaranteed.
Brethren, we have not only unlocked the strategies for effective prayers but also have practical prayer points for answered prayers. Continue to engage these points in your daily communion with God, and see how He transforms your life. The Lord is faithful to His promises; His ears are inclined to our supplications. From today, you shall no longer walk in the realm of unanswered prayers but shall bask in the euphoria of divine answers. Amen and Amen!
