Is Prayer Alone Enough – Part 3

This week let us look at a few more points in more detail as to how to be assured of our prayers being answered.

1. Repent of your sins

“Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
Repenting involves turning away from our old sinful habits and turning towards a new life in Christ. Deciding to do things God’s way. Repenting also involves admitting that you are wrong in doing things that are not pleasing to God. Ask God from a sincere heart to forgive you of your sins. It may not be easy but it is the right thing to do.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”- 1 John 1:9

2. Live a pure clean life

God tells Abraham, “I am Almighty God. Walk before Me blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you and will multiply you exceedingly.” – Genesis 17:1&2
“Pursue peace with all people and holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” – Romans 12:14
“Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I may not sin against You.”- Psalms 119:11
God desires holiness. He says “You shall be holy for I am holy.”- Leviticus 11:44, 1 Peter 1:16. With the help of the Holy Spirit try to refrain from falling into temptation and sinning. Because it is said “He who sins is of the devil.” – 1 John 3:8 and “Whoever has been born of God does not sin.” – 1 John 3:9. Read Ephesians 5:19-25, which gives us a list of the works of the flesh and also the fruit of the Spirit. As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ we are to bear fruit.

3. Be obedient to God

Samuel tells Saul, “..to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams”- 1 Samuel 15:22.
Obedience is an act of worship. If you love someone you will do what they say. Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” – John 15:14. It also shows our faithfulness to Him. It glorifies God. God keeps telling the Israelites over and over again that if they obeyed Him and kept His commands then He would bless them. So one sure way of receiving blessings is to obey God and do everything that pleases him. God blesses and rewards obedience.

Remember:

There is a condition to God hearing your prayers and cries. David says, “If I had harboured sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” – Psalm 66:18
Pray with faith and be passionate in prayer.
Be grateful to God, praise Him and give thanks to Him always.