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Do You Wonder if God Hears Your Prayers?

Dr. Paul Cannings

Many people ask, "What ensures that my prayers are answered?" The Bible offers guidance, starting with the idea that "the prayer of the righteous avails much." Righteousness, as seen in Abraham’s quick repentance or Job’s humility before God, isn’t about perfection but a willingness to align with God’s will and adjust our lives to His word. Faith plays a crucial role—believing God’s promises even when they don’t make sense (Hebrews 6:18, Habakkuk 2:4).

Obeying God’s word and loving others as He commands also opens the door to answered prayers (John 15, 1 John 3). However, certain behaviors can hinder prayers: unrepentant sin (Jeremiah 14:10-12), doubting (James 1:5-9), selfish motives (James 4), and even mistreating others, like a spouse (1 Peter 3:7).

God desires to bless us and answer our prayers, but our hearts must be aligned with Him. Like a parent’s grace toward a child, God’s relationship with us thrives when we seek Him sincerely, trust His timing, and obey His will. Stay committed to His plan, knowing He loves us and wants the best for His children (Luke 11:11-13).

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