Do We Really Believe God Hears (and Acts Upon) Our Prayers?

Help for those who are discouraged and losing heart.

“Ask and it will be given to you.” — Matthew 7:7

Prayer is a gift and privilege, not merely a duty or obligation. Through Jesus, we have direct access to speak with and make requests of God as our Abba Father.

This privilege is clear in Scripture, such as Ephesians 2:18 and Hebrews 4:16.

• Ephesians 2:18, For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
• Hebrews 4:16, Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

The Problem of Prayer

Yet despite knowing this intellectually, we often lose heart, concerned whether God really hears and will act upon our prayers.

When we don’t see immediate answers to our prayers or discernible changes in a situation, we may start to doubt, wondering not only whether he listens but also whether he cares.

After days, weeks, or months of unchanging circumstances, we may lose heart and lack motivation to continue in prayer. Why get up for that early morning prayer meeting if it…