Does GOD Answer Prayer

Originally posted on 09 July 2011 by Rev Tommy Carpenter

Here's a verse of encouragement from the Living Bible, "So we fasted and begged GOD to take care of us. And HE did!" (Ezra 8:23). I'm sure that you could probably add your testimony of answered prayer along with mine today.

A Mrs. Myrtle Cobley of Leicester, England, was a devoted hospital visitor. Each day she would faithfully visit the sick with words of encouragement and a brief prayer.

One day while visiting in the wards, the doctor was announced, and she rose to leave. The young doctor coming in the door accosted her with, "Well, Mrs. Cobley, I suppose you have been telling these people that God answers prayer?" "Yes, sir!" she replied.

"Well, I'm very glad to hear it, for I am very hard up. Do you think if I asked God for a five-pound note that He would give it to me?"

Everyone in the ward grew quiet and waited for Myrtle to respond. She answered in a low but even voice: "Suppose you were introduced to the Prince of Wales today, Doctor, do you think you could at once ask him for a five – pound note?"

The doctor haltingly said, "No, I suppose I should need to wait until I got to know him better."

"Yes," replied the dear lady, "And you will have to know my Heavenly Father better before you can ask Him for five-pound notes."

Jesus said, "If you abide in ME, and MY Words abide in you, you can ask what you will and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:7). Four things from this verse are important! First, you must abide in CHRIST JESUS! That is relationship with HIM; Second, HIS Word, the Scripture, must abide in you! That is revelation of HIS promises; Third, you can ask what you desire from HIS promises! That is requests within HIS will; Fourth, it shall be done unto you! That is reception by faith.

Dear friend, you can know our Heavenly FATHER better. You can draw near to GOD and HE will draw near to you (James 4:8). Read your Bible. Listen to good preaching and teaching on radio, television, recordings or ipods. Be careful to choose edifying programs.

Pray! Make it a habit to pray about everything. Remember, Enoch walked and prayed at the same time. That's the best way to get an uplifting experience. Listen to gospel and worship music. It is the expression of the soul. Attend church regularly and faithfully. Be involved.{jacomment off}

GOD does answer the prayers of those who see HIM with their whole heart.