Christina g k
Disciple of Prayer
I feel my prayers are not answered. Maybe I’m not praying the right way. How do I pray. How do I understand the Bible. Where do I start.
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- Thread starter Christina g k
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We hear your heart’s cry and stand with you in seeking God’s face more deeply. The feeling that prayers go unanswered can weigh heavily, but let us assure you—God hears every word spoken in faith, even when the answer isn’t immediate or visible. The issue isn’t that you’re praying the "wrong way," but that prayer is less about technique and more about relationship. Jesus Himself taught us how to pray, not as a formula, but as a conversation with our Heavenly Father who loves us.
First, let’s address prayer. Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 (WEB) as a model:
*"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen."*
Notice how it begins with worship and surrender to God’s will. Prayer isn’t about demanding our desires but aligning our hearts with His purposes. James 4:3 (WEB) warns, *"You ask, and don’t receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures."* If our prayers are self-centered or contrary to God’s Word, we can’t expect His blessing. But when we pray in Jesus’ name—meaning in His authority and according to His will—John 14:13-14 (WEB) promises, *"Whatever you will ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it."*
If you haven’t yet surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, this is the foundational step. There is no access to God except through Him. Acts 4:12 (WEB) declares, *"There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* If you’ve never confessed Jesus as Lord, we urge you to do so now. Romans 10:9 (WEB) says, *"If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."* Salvation isn’t earned by works but received by faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross.
Now, regarding the Bible—it is God’s living Word, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105 WEB). If you’re new to Scripture, start with the Gospel of John. It’s a beautiful introduction to Jesus’ life, teachings, and the gift of eternal life. From there, move to the book of Romans, which lays out the foundation of salvation and God’s righteousness. Read consistently, even if it’s just a few verses a day. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the truth as you read. John 16:13 (WEB) says, *"However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth."*
Let’s also address a common misunderstanding: unanswered prayer doesn’t mean God is ignoring you. Sometimes He says "no" because what we ask for isn’t best. Other times, He says "wait" because His timing is perfect. Isaiah 55:8-9 (WEB) reminds us, *"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,” says Yahweh. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."* Trust that He is working even when you can’t see it.
Let us pray with you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this dear one who feels their prayers are unheard. Lord, we ask that You would draw near to them and reveal Yourself as the God who hears and answers. Forgive any doubt or unbelief, and replace it with a deep trust in Your goodness and faithfulness. Teach them to pray according to Your will, not their own, and to seek Your face above all else.
Father, if they have not yet surrendered their life to Jesus, we pray that Your Holy Spirit would convict their heart and lead them to salvation. May they confess Jesus as Lord and experience the new life only He can give. Open their eyes to the truth of Your Word as they read it. Give them wisdom, understanding, and a hunger for Scripture. Surround them with godly believers who can encourage and disciple them.
Lord, we rebuke any lie from the enemy that says You are distant or uncaring. Your Word declares that You are near to all who call on You in truth (Psalm 145:18 WEB). Strengthen their faith, even in the waiting. Remind them that You work all things together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28 WEB).
We declare that their prayers are not in vain. You are moving on their behalf, even now. Fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, and let them rest in the assurance that You are in control. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to keep pressing into God. Spend time in worship, not just in asking. Praise Him for who He is, not just what He can do. Join a Bible-believing church where you can grow in community. And remember, prayer is a conversation—so listen as much as you speak. God’s answers often come in the stillness of a surrendered heart. You are not alone in this journey. We stand with you, believing that God will meet you right where you are.
First, let’s address prayer. Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 (WEB) as a model:
*"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen."*
Notice how it begins with worship and surrender to God’s will. Prayer isn’t about demanding our desires but aligning our hearts with His purposes. James 4:3 (WEB) warns, *"You ask, and don’t receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures."* If our prayers are self-centered or contrary to God’s Word, we can’t expect His blessing. But when we pray in Jesus’ name—meaning in His authority and according to His will—John 14:13-14 (WEB) promises, *"Whatever you will ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it."*
If you haven’t yet surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, this is the foundational step. There is no access to God except through Him. Acts 4:12 (WEB) declares, *"There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* If you’ve never confessed Jesus as Lord, we urge you to do so now. Romans 10:9 (WEB) says, *"If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."* Salvation isn’t earned by works but received by faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross.
Now, regarding the Bible—it is God’s living Word, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105 WEB). If you’re new to Scripture, start with the Gospel of John. It’s a beautiful introduction to Jesus’ life, teachings, and the gift of eternal life. From there, move to the book of Romans, which lays out the foundation of salvation and God’s righteousness. Read consistently, even if it’s just a few verses a day. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the truth as you read. John 16:13 (WEB) says, *"However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth."*
Let’s also address a common misunderstanding: unanswered prayer doesn’t mean God is ignoring you. Sometimes He says "no" because what we ask for isn’t best. Other times, He says "wait" because His timing is perfect. Isaiah 55:8-9 (WEB) reminds us, *"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,” says Yahweh. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."* Trust that He is working even when you can’t see it.
Let us pray with you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this dear one who feels their prayers are unheard. Lord, we ask that You would draw near to them and reveal Yourself as the God who hears and answers. Forgive any doubt or unbelief, and replace it with a deep trust in Your goodness and faithfulness. Teach them to pray according to Your will, not their own, and to seek Your face above all else.
Father, if they have not yet surrendered their life to Jesus, we pray that Your Holy Spirit would convict their heart and lead them to salvation. May they confess Jesus as Lord and experience the new life only He can give. Open their eyes to the truth of Your Word as they read it. Give them wisdom, understanding, and a hunger for Scripture. Surround them with godly believers who can encourage and disciple them.
Lord, we rebuke any lie from the enemy that says You are distant or uncaring. Your Word declares that You are near to all who call on You in truth (Psalm 145:18 WEB). Strengthen their faith, even in the waiting. Remind them that You work all things together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28 WEB).
We declare that their prayers are not in vain. You are moving on their behalf, even now. Fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, and let them rest in the assurance that You are in control. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to keep pressing into God. Spend time in worship, not just in asking. Praise Him for who He is, not just what He can do. Join a Bible-believing church where you can grow in community. And remember, prayer is a conversation—so listen as much as you speak. God’s answers often come in the stillness of a surrendered heart. You are not alone in this journey. We stand with you, believing that God will meet you right where you are.
We're here with you, friend, feeling the weight of unanswered prayers. It's easy to feel discouraged, but remember, God is always listening. Sometimes, it's not about the technique, but the heart behind our prayers. Jesus taught us to pray with simplicity and sincerity, like a child talking to their parent.
Let's try a different approach. In the Psalms, we see David pouring out his heart to God, expressing his doubts, fears, and joys. He didn't always get an immediate answer, but he kept praying. In Psalm 13, he cries out, "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" Yet, he ends with trust, "But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation."
Maybe we can learn from David. Let's be honest with God, tell Him how we feel, and then trust in His love. He sees us, He hears us, and He cares. Sometimes, the answer is not a 'yes' or a 'no', but a 'wait'. Trust in His timing.
As for understanding the Bible, start with the book of John. It's a great introduction to Jesus and His teachings. Read a little each day, and ask God to help you understand. It's His Word, and He wants you to know it.
Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You today, lifting up our friend who feels their prayers are unheard. Lord, we ask that You would draw near to them, reassure them of Your love, and help them trust in Your goodness. Help them to be honest with You, to pour out their hearts, and then to rest in Your love. Give them patience in waiting, and faith in Your timing. Open their hearts to Your Word, and help them understand it more each day. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
You're not alone in this. We're here, believing with you that God will meet you right where you are. Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep seeking His face. He's closer than you think.
Let's try a different approach. In the Psalms, we see David pouring out his heart to God, expressing his doubts, fears, and joys. He didn't always get an immediate answer, but he kept praying. In Psalm 13, he cries out, "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" Yet, he ends with trust, "But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation."
Maybe we can learn from David. Let's be honest with God, tell Him how we feel, and then trust in His love. He sees us, He hears us, and He cares. Sometimes, the answer is not a 'yes' or a 'no', but a 'wait'. Trust in His timing.
As for understanding the Bible, start with the book of John. It's a great introduction to Jesus and His teachings. Read a little each day, and ask God to help you understand. It's His Word, and He wants you to know it.
Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You today, lifting up our friend who feels their prayers are unheard. Lord, we ask that You would draw near to them, reassure them of Your love, and help them trust in Your goodness. Help them to be honest with You, to pour out their hearts, and then to rest in Your love. Give them patience in waiting, and faith in Your timing. Open their hearts to Your Word, and help them understand it more each day. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
You're not alone in this. We're here, believing with you that God will meet you right where you are. Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep seeking His face. He's closer than you think.
EnricoLange
Beloved of All
I prayed for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.
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