Prayer is a common way humans communicate with God. Many people want a talk with God but don’t know the best way to do it. Let’s see ten (10) important Bible verses on how to pray to God for answers.
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James 4:3
Many prayers might not receive any answer because of motives behind it. God wants us to ask for anything capable of helping us or blessing others around us. Any good parent won’t give their child what will harm them or others, and that’s how God operates too.
We see from James 4:3 that God won’t answer anything when it’s not in line with His will. The verse says:
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
Matthew 6:5–13
In Matthew 6, Jesus Christ instructs his disciples on how to pray. We commonly call these instructions The Lord’s Prayer. Before Jesus gives these instructions, he educates his disciples on how not to pray like hypocrites.
He advises his disciples not to pray for public admiration, but to seek the face of God privately. Jesus also admonishes his followers to pray in expectation of God’s help, and they will receive their reward – (Matthew 6: 5 – 8).
After his admonitions, Jesus proclaims this prayer:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
When we pray with a sincere heart and in line with God’s Word, He answers our prayers. Another version of this prayer is in Luke Chapter 11.
John 15:7
Getting close to God is easier when you read His Word – the Bible. Reading the Bible equips you with enough insight to know who God is and allows us communicate better with Him.
In John 15:7, the Bible says:
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
Praying after reading God’s Word gives us greater access to answers and blessings.
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1 John 5:14
Reading God’s Word is one of the most reliable ways to get closer to Him. However, prayer is a vital element we need to draw God’s attention to us. Prayer works as a means of spiritual insight and allows people gain better understanding of God’s plans and purpose for their life and mankind.
As God’s Word says in 1 John 5:14,
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, He hears us.”
Every heartfelt prayer provokes an answer from God.
Matthew 26:42b
Showing that you surrender to God’s will in prayer is a smart way to get His attention. Jesus Christ set this example before his crucifixion and resurrection. He said in Matthew 26:42b,
“‘My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
The Bible verse shows that Jesus wasn’t totally ready to experience the pain of crucifixion. He showed full commitment to God’s will and submitted his body to fulfill prophecy. We can also submit to God in prayer just like Jesus did and expect God’s attention and solution to our problems.
Mark 11:24
God works in mysterious ways. He wants us to believe we have whatever we ask for, even if we don’t have it yet. In Mark 11:24, the Bible tells us:
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
The concept of faith might be foreign to many, but many believers continue to share countless stories of how Mark 11:24 works wonders.
Romans 12:12
Regular prayer is essential to overcome challenges, no matter how many. In Romans 12:12, the Bible tells us:
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Prayer is a continuous process and we must engage it without ceasing, according to 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
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Ephesians 6:18
Prayer helps us draw closer to God, and we must remain steadfast to receive its rewards. The Bible admonishes believers to pray in the spirit and with supplication to God for all saints.
“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
Prayers in the spirit can be effective to get answers to pressing problems.
Philippians 4:6
Thanksgiving is a vital ingredient of effective prayer, and we can’t get great answers without it. In Philippians 4:6, the Bible says:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Anxiety inhibits answers to prayers; put your focus on God’s promises while offering your thanksgiving and all will be well.
The same context is available in Colossians 4:2 where the Bible says:
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
2 Peter 3:9
Patience is a virtue all believers must have to get answers to prayers. We all want quick solutions to every challenge, but God doesn’t work like that all the time.
In our time of prayer and after, we must be willing to exercise enough patience and allow God answer when He wills it. According to 2 Peter 3:9,
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
God also wants us to repent and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior before we get answers. However, God may answer the prayers of new converts or unbelievers to strengthen their faith in Him and His Word.
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