By Pastor Naomi Mitchell
For Carter County Times
Have you ever prayed for something and then anxiously waited for the answer to come the same day?
Something we will learn from the word of God is to be specific with our requests. Do not generalize your prayer requests by asking for a breakthrough or open doors. Ask for breakthroughs in a specific area. Scripture says, “If you say to this mountain be removed, it will be moved.” Name that mountain or whatever you want God to do for you, so that when the answers come you will know for sure that that’s what you prayed for.
Get Bible verses for each request. Without the word of God, your prayer is a religious exercise. Take time to find Bible verses that align with your prayer requests. Don’t rush to pray. Word preparation is key. God honors his word, and he is moved when you pray according to his will. “This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” 1 John 5:14.
Pray by faith, believe what you pray for. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. When you pray, believe that you have received your answer even before you have it in your hands. Do not doubt your own prayers. Do not try to figure out how God will do it. Do not limit God with your thoughts or feel that it’s too difficult for God to do. With God all things are possible. Have this mindset when you go to God in prayer.
Say what you will do with your answer. Tell God why the request is important and what you will do with it. Is it to help yourself or for others? Is it to help in the household of God? What you are seeking for, is it to the glory of God? Be open and tell God what you will do with the answer you seek for. He is your father, and he wants you to share things with him, whatever it is.
Avoid negative self-talk. Between the time you pray and when you get your answer, watch what you say! Do not talk against what you prayed for. Instead thank God for answers to your prayers. Remember that you are snared or taken by the words of your mouth. So, guard your mouth. It is vital that you speak only the end result, and what you desire! Speak as if every word you say will come to pass. If you aren’t speaking faith, then don’t speak at all.
Forgive others. When you bear a grudge or are unforgiving, God will not hear your prayers. If someone sins against you, go and settle with the person. Do not hide sins in your heart so that your prayers will not be hindered. As Jesus has forgiven your sins, learn to forgive others.
We have learned that God’s timing certainly isn’t our timing. God is not bound by a clock or calendar. After we pray, we must patiently wait with thanksgiving and praise. When you pray the right way, you will see the answers to your prayers manifest. (Reprinted from June 26, 2024.)
Amen! So be it!
JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and Joyful Kids Class at 10:30am, 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM & WEKG 81.0 AM Sundays 1-2pm.
