How Prayers Get Answered
One of the functions of GEMinistries is to intercede for Christian artists, ministry partners, and/or art patrons. As we pray, we see a
need for a greater understanding of prayer and how prayers get answered. Prayer may be defined simply as a petition or request
of God. However, the process of answered prayer seems to be something quite a bit more involved.
Jesus says “your Father knows the thing you have need of before you ask” [Matt 6:8]. However, He still wants us to pray. As
vessels of faith, we are to proclaim His Word in the earth; also, as faithful believers we need to stay in a position to receive from
Him. Some people think that if they pray loud, long, and sad enough God will get fed up with all the fuss and answer the prayer.
“For they think they will be heard for their many words.” [Matt 6:7] Prayers are not cumulative “911 calls”. We will not move the
Hand of God by crying “HELP!” a million times. God was moved by all man’s need, for all time, and responded by sending His
Son to go from the Cross, to the grave, into Hell, completing the work in Jesus’ resurrection.
Forty-eight hour prayer vigils or 200,000 people praying on one day are not necessary to get Him to answer prayer. Why then, do
WE need prayer vigil and days of corporate prayer? [And we DO need them!] Because fervent, continual, Word-based prayer puts
us in a position to receive from God [see James 5:14-16 & Acts 21:1]. The philosophies and distractions of this world
unceasingly bombard us. Without times of prayer, we will eventually be diverted from relationship with and reliance on God
(Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider). We continually pray to connect, and stay connected to the will of God. In return, “my God shall
supply all your need according to His riches in Glory. [Phil4:19] As the windows of Heaven are opened and blessings are poured
out, we pray to stay in a position to receive [see Mal 3:10].
The example of the lame man by the pool at Bethesda is a parable of someone with the solution to his need right in front of him,
yet he was not in a position to receive. Jesus asked him “do you want to be made well?” [John5:6] He didn’t need more faith,
more prayer, or more Word. The man told Jesus that all he lacked was a man to put him in the water. Jesus said, “Rise, take up
your bed and walk” [John5:8], [i.e., “I’m The Man”]. The man’s relationship and position with Jesus brought on miracle provision
and answered prayer.
Likewise, “a certain woman had a flow of blood for 12 years and had suffered…spent all she had… but rather grew worse.”
[Mark5:25-29] When she put herself in a position to receive from Jesus, she was made well. She didn’t cry and tell him her “woe-
is-me story” (not to downplay the gravity of her situation). She didn’t dazzle Him with big prayers to “bring on the cure.” She
humbled herself, positioned her faith and intimately believed, “if only I may touch His clothes, I will be made whole.”
It is important to recognize that there are obstacles which will try to hinder the immediate answer to your prayer. Some obstacles
involve people. Some obstacles are spiritual, as in Gabriel’s report concerning Daniel’s intercession [see Daniel 10:12-13].
Daniel’s prayer was answered immediately; however, there was a delay in its manifestation because of spiritual obstacles.
Daniel stayed in a position to receive until Gabriel came with the message.
The main point of this teaching is to dispel the rumor that sometimes God doesn’t answer prayer. The best Father in the
universe, with limitless power and resources, isn’t withholding blessing “just ‘cause.” He is not waiting to bless us until we meet
some quota or qualification [I am speaking to born-again believers]. As we pray in accordance to His will, maintaining our faith-
position through patience and Godly character, our prayers will be answered. [See James 1:2-8]
Love In Christ,
Gregory & Linda Emler
