Who or what determines whether our prayers are answered?

Does God answer prayer, or have you bought into the idea that somehow you have control over the answers to your prayers?

This idea may sound a bit ridiculous but is it really?

I’ve found this to be true in many people’s prayer lives.

A wrongful understanding of prayer shifts the focus away from God and onto ourselves.

This happens when people try to micro-manage the way they think God will answer their requests.

When people promote this type of praying they teach that speaking certain words will yield the results you want. They use formulas to get God to respond.

These formulas can be:

• Using certain words or combinations of words in their prayers
• Praying only in a particular physical posture
• Or other “techniques” to make their prayers get special notice or response from God

Others may focus on what not to say. They believe acknowledging reality will hinder your prayers.

I’ve heard some teach that admitting you have a sickness shows lack of faith and will prevent God from healing you. You may be facing a serious illness but you’re encouraged to only confess positive.

Claiming you’re not sick is seen as a step of faith.

What a weight to carry! I’ve spoken to some who struggle with a paranoia overshadowing their words and prayers. They worry their words may possibly be heard by Satan and his cohorts and be used against them.

Do the Words Matter or Not?

Our words do matter, but some with these teachings cross the line into pride and self-promotion. Others with this idea of prayer struggle with feelings of self-condemnation, doubt and fear for not praying as they were told they should. Especially when they’re not seeing answers to their prayers.

As you pray, stand on the promises of God. Put your trust not in your words or lack of words, but in who it is you’re praying to.

God is able. He alone can do this.

Phil. 4:19 teaches us that “Our God shall supply all our needs according to his riches in glory.”

He does not need a system to accomplish what he alone can accomplish.

Trust him today.