Seven Keys to Answered Prayer

Wouldn’t you love to know exactly how to pray so that all your needs are met? So often we pray, hoping that God will hear us on time and come through with the miracle we need so desperately.

Everyone has been given the measure of faith (Rom. 12: 3), and all you need is faith the size of a mustard seed! (Mat. 17: 20) Nevertheless, prayers often don’t seem to get answered. So, how can you really know that you have prayed correctly and that God has heard you?

The seven main keys to answered prayer are:

· Clarity (Mark 10: 51)

First and foremost you need to be clear about what your need is. Do you need a healing in your body now? Are you praying for a miracle for a loved one? Or do you need the Lord’s direction on how to pursue your dream? Although God knows your need before you ask, He does want you to be specific in your petition.

Like with blind Bartimaeus, the Lord wants to hear exactly what you are believing for. Do you have faith for a small portion of your needs or for a life-changing miracle?

· Courage (Josh. 1: 9)

It takes courage to keep your faith in the midst of circumstances that are trying to overwhelm and discourage you! When Joshua was in a strange land, even though it was the land God had promised him, he was faced with many powerful enemies. In the natural it was impossible to overcome the obstacles, but He was encouraged to:

“Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.”

Fear stifles faith. The Word will keep reinforcing it until you are fully persuaded that the Lord goes with you through all your trials!

· Persistence (Heb. 11: 6)

“He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”

To be diligent means to earnestly, full heartedly, and conscientiously pursue a goal until it is completed. Be persistent in reminding the Lord that you believe that His Promises are for you and that you expect His blessings regardless of the circumstances you are going through. Keep on keeping on!

· Vigilance (1 Pet. 5: 7 - 9)

Be vigilant because the devil will always try to turn your faith into fear. Recognize his tactics and resist him steadfastly in the faith by casting all you cares on God, who cares for you.

· Gratitude (Phil. 4: 6)

Be thankful to God for all His wondrous works. It is especially powerful to give Him praise and thanks for the answer to your prayers. It confirms your faith in God’s faithfulness to perform His Promises.

· Patience (Jas. 1: 3)

“The trying of your faith worketh patience.” The longer it takes to get your prayer answered, the more your steadfast patience will be rewarded!

· Confidence (Phil. 1: 6)

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Put your trust fully in the fact that God can and will do everything He promises in His Word.

“If we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.“ (1 John 5: 15)