How can I know God hears my prayers?

Psalm 145:18The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.

1 John 5:14We are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.

God invites us to make prayer our first thought or response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him. The promise in God’s Word is that God hears and answers prayer, particularly when we are intent on wanting what God wants.

Nehemiah 1:4-11When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer!”

1 Peter 3:12“The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

Since prayer is conversation with God, approach him with the same love and courtesy you would bring to any relationship you value. Pray with humility, not arrogance, admitting your sin and seeking his forgiveness. In the face of national tragedy, join in prayer with others, recognizing the importance of corporate as well as individual confession.

1 John 5:14-15We are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

While we cannot know God’s specific will for every situation, we do know that his will is to empower your obedience, to overcome evil with good, and to equip you to be his witness. You can pray confidently for his power and guidance in these situations and many others, knowing that you are asking for the very things he most longs to give.

2 Chronicles 7:14“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”

Does it sometimes seem like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling? Is God not paying attention? The bigger question is, are you paying attention to God’s answer? God does answer prayer, and he wants to do so because he is loving and good. It is his nature to give good things to his people. Sometimes, after things work out, we fail to give God the credit. When you pray, be alert and watch for God’s answers, and then don’t forget to thank him!