Do We Want Our Prayers Answered?

Unless we are ashamed of our wrong attitudes and actions, even confessing them openly, we will not grow. Only those who are embarrassed enough to admit their mistakes and sins, will take a step forward in progressing toward holiness.

James 5:16 "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."

If we refuse to confess, not only will we not grow, any prayers we utter will be ignored by God.

James 4:3

"3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures."

James 1:5-7

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and [a]without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord,

1 John 5:14-15

"14 This is the confidence which we have [a]before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him."

1 Peter 3:7

"7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered."

Psalm 66:18

"18 If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear;"

If we want the Lord to hear us, we must desire His will His Way! We must care whether or not we are pleasing Him. To pray asking for our desires without concern for His Will, angers Him.

Romans 1:18

"18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,"

Do we want our prayers to be heard? If the answer is yes, then it is best to ask God to show us His Will, obey what He tells us through His Word.