we shall focus on: How do we know when our Prayers are Answered?
While many believers feel that when they pray, God would answer when He thinks He should, some others do not even know when their prayers are answered, and they do not care to know. Please understand that we do not serve a deaf and dumb God, we serve a prayer answering God. As it is written, Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not (Jeremiah 33:3). Many of us know the meaning of fervency in prayers, but we are yet to learn the meaning of diligently hearkening to His voice in response to our prayers. Furthermore, we must understand that prayer is a two-way communication channel (Matthew 7:8; Isaiah 58:9). And this is part of the privileges we have in fasting. Therefore, a season of fasting is a season of hearing in response to our demands and cries.
We have that graphic example in the life of Abraham as he stood before the Lord in the gap for Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:23-26). Abraham was hearing from God as he was talking to Him. Concerning Elijah, while he was at the cave, he said, And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11-12). That response gave clarity of direction to him; it brought an end to his frustration and opened a new chapter to his life. Many have never heard from God and this is because they have never been diligent enough to hear Him (Deuteronomy 28:1).
Therefore, it is not enough to travail in prayers, we must diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord in response to our prayers. Paul said, For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me (Acts 27:23-25). His confidence came alive by the Word he heard from the Lord. Those example of prompt answers in Scriptures were answers to questions. Abraham was posing questions to the Father and He was responding (Genesis 18:30-32). David asked questions and he got instant answers to them (2 Samuel 5:19, 23-24). The response were prompt because they were specific questions. Only those who ask questions are entitled to answers (Jeremiah 33:3). That is why question asking is gateway to floods of revelations (Acts 2:37). Thus, let us take special delight in asking appropriate questions in specific terms on issues of interest to us.
How do we know when our Prayers are Answered?
Listen in Response to our Intercessions and Supplications:
We should pray with our mouths and listen with our ears. We have too many praying mouths but very few listening ears. The Bible says, He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God (Revelation 2:7; see also Revelation 3:6). That means we must tune up to the frequency of the Spirit because we cannot hear Him in the flesh (Revelation 1:10). Thus, it is not enough to be saved, it is important to be a man of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14; Galatians 5:25).When we have Prayed with Confidence in God and His Word:
The Bible says, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). We cannot obtain or find until we have prayed boldly (Psalm 34:2; Hebrews 10:35-36). We engage our confidence in God and His Word to find what we are looking for and obtain His promise. Concerning Abraham, the Bible records, He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness (Romans 4:20-22). His confidence in God and His Word was unshakeable and as a result, he obtained the promise.When the Holy Ghost Bears Witness with our Spirit:
It is written, The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (Romans 8:16). So, we have to maintain spiritual sensitivity to pick that signal from the Lord in response to our prayer.When Thanksgiving Takes over on any Prayer Subject:
As it is written, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Philippians 4:6). Praying for praying sake is mere religion; what makes an overcomer is praying for answer sake. One way to build our confidence is to lay hold on His will on that prayer subject and give Him quality thanks for answers (1 John 5:14-15).
In summary, when we have the Word backup for our desires, it reinforces our confidence in God. God and His Word are defined as two immutable things in the realm of the Spirit (1 John 5:14). There is nothing theoretical about the Word, the Word is practicable because it is profitable (Matthew 7:24; Joshua 1:8).
However, you must be born again. If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now, I know I am born again!.