Allow me to share with you for a brief moment about something vitally important. It is about our prayer lives. Many people get into a routine of prayer and a ritual. Almost superstitiously they pray the same prayer every day or night. As our lives change and we grow in the Lord our prayer life should also adjust. We need to make adjustments in order to pray for those things, which are current. The fact that we have a God who loves us enough to listen is a blessing that many take for granted. A God that controls all things still has time for each of us individually. He is able to do this because he is God. Why does God listen? It is because he has to. He promised us in his word that whatever we ask believing he will do. Plus Jesus our mediator is always there reminding God about the blood of Calvary.

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Prayer brings about answers! It guards our hearts against the fiery darts of the devil and it brings us peace of mind releasing us from trouble. Prayer is the start of accomplishment. We will be unable to accomplish a task or construct without the proper supervision and the proper instructions. When we are perplexed about what to do or confused in our decision making, prayer can accomplish and complete the task. God will and does answer prayers.

Why do our prayers sometimes go unanswered? Matthew 6 gives us the answer. It is because sometimes we pray to be heard, or to hear ourselves pray. Sometimes we pray for things that will harm us or bring a separation from God and us. God can see the future and he will not give you something, which will be destructive. Sometimes people pray without ever believing that God will answer. But the bible says that we must forgive others if our prayers are to be heard. Praying out of a clean and pure heart without doubt always brings about results. I Psalm 62:8 it speaks of pouring out your heart before him. Empty the contents for him to see. Do not try to hide anything from God. He can see all. Honesty when you pray brings answers. Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Don't be afraid to let God in to search your heart.

In Christ Jesus, 

Dale Thompson