Text:
1 Kings 18: 30-39
Memory Verse:
“Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that you have turned their hearts back to You again. Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice” (1 Kings 18: 37-38a).
After worship service one Sunday morning, one of our teens walked to where I sat, and asked, “Why is it that God does not answer my prayers?” I asked him, “what was your score in the recent JAMB
examination?” “208”, he answered. “Did you pray concerning the exam?”, I asked further. “Yes, I prayed”, he answered. “Since the cut-off mark is 180, this means that you passed very well, invariably, God has answered your prayer.”
Like my young friend, many who are in distress wonder whether God still answers prayers. The fact is that God answers prayers, though it may not always be the way we want it. God’s answer to our prayer can be “Yes”, “No”, or “Wait”. If you ask and you do not receive, you ought to keep asking until He answers. It was at the seventh time that Elijah’s prayer for rainfall was answered (1 Kings 18:43-45). God sees, hears and knows our problems (Exodus 3:7). It does not matter how long it takes. He still answers prayers. Conditions for answered prayers are;
1. Like Elijah, you might need to repair the Altar of the Lord that is broken down. That is, re-establish your faith in Christ.
2. Confess and forsake any hidden or presumptuous sin.
3. Pray with the right motives (James 4:3).
4. Pray according to God’s word, and tie your requests to the interest of God.
5. Pray in the name of Jesus Christ persistently. God answers prayers. So, keep praying and trusting.
Prayer Points:
1. Father, there are many that are distressed to the point of wondering whether You still answer prayers. Take away the doubts of such persons and strengthen their faith in You.
2. God, fill me with lovely memories of all Your answers to my prayers.
