How God Answers Prayer

The booklet How God Answers Prayer provides a thoughtful and deeply scriptural exploration of how and why God responds to the prayers of His people. It begins by acknowledging a common tension: many believe in prayer and pray earnestly—such as mothers praying for their sons' safety in war—only to feel disappointed when their requests seemingly go unanswered. Others testify joyfully to God’s blessings and answered prayers. This contrast raises a vital question: why does God seem to answer some prayers and not others?

The author asserts that the answer lies in understanding God’s will, purpose, and the principles laid out in Scripture. God, being “no respecter of persons,” does not arbitrarily choose whose prayers to answer. Rather, prayers are answered when they align with His divine plan. Prayer, the booklet emphasizes, is not a tool to instruct God or alter His eternal purposes, but a means for believers to seek His will and grow spiritually. When we pray in harmony with God’s will, we can be assured that He hears us.

The booklet distinguishes between different types of prayers—thanksgiving, adoration, supplication, and requests for mercy—and stresses that the motivation and attitude behind them matter. Prayers made in pride or for selfish purposes, or prayers that ask "amiss," will not be answered favorably. True prayer must seek alignment with God’s character, will, and timing.

One of the key examples presented is Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Facing death, Jesus prayed that the “cup” might pass from Him, yet submitted to the Father’s will: “Not as I will, but as thou wilt.” This model shows that true prayer seeks God’s will above all else, even amid suffering or sacrifice. Christians are called to follow Christ in this surrender, recognizing that hardships may be part of God's plan for spiritual growth or greater purpose.

The booklet references Jesus’ teaching in John 15:7, noting that only when we abide in Christ and His words abide in us—meaning full alignment with His will—can we rightly expect our prayers to be answered. God gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask in faith and humility, and it is this Spirit that guides us to pray rightly and seek only what God has promised.

The booklet also unpacks The Lord’s Prayer as a blueprint for understanding prayer. It explains that addressing God as “Our Father” is a privilege reserved for those who have accepted Christ and consecrated their lives to Him. Such individuals approach God through Jesus’ merit alone and pray for His name to be hallowed, for His kingdom to come, and for His will to be done on earth as in heaven.

The central petition, “Thy kingdom come,” is highlighted as a key to understanding the broader purpose of prayer. God’s plan includes the establishment of Christ’s kingdom, which will bring about peace, justice, and the full answer to humanity’s deepest cries. In that kingdom, war will cease, sickness and death will be no more, and economic security will be granted to all. The booklet argues that when people pray for peace, healing, or provision, they are often unknowingly praying for what will only be fully granted in the age to come—during the reign of Christ.

It emphasizes that the current age is not the time for the complete fulfillment of all prayers. God’s “tomorrows” are not bound by human time; His plans span ages. Thus, while some prayers may go unanswered today, they will be fulfilled in His due time, especially during the thousand-year reign of Christ. During that time, death will be destroyed, and the righteous desires of humanity will be realized.

Particularly touching is the reflection on mothers who grieve the loss of their children. The booklet offers comfort by pointing to the resurrection, citing Jeremiah’s prophecy that children “shall come again from the land of the enemy”—meaning death. This hope in the resurrection is part of the broader promise tied to the coming kingdom.

In addition to health and peace, the booklet speaks to economic needs. While people may pray for material security today, God has promised that in His kingdom, everyone will dwell under their own vine and fig tree—symbolizing peace, safety, and abundance for all. Isaiah’s prophecy that God will answer prayers “before they call” reflects the proactive generosity of God’s coming kingdom.

The booklet concludes with the remaining petitions of The Lord’s Prayer, highlighting the importance of spiritual needs over material ones. “Give us this day our daily bread” refers not only to physical sustenance but also to spiritual nourishment—God’s truth. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” challenges believers to adopt the same spirit of mercy and love God extends. “Deliver us from evil” and “lead us not into temptation” are seen as both personal pleas for spiritual protection and collective longings for deliverance from the evil world, culminating in the resurrection and reign of Christ’s church.

Ultimately, the booklet underscores that the most pleasing prayers to God are those offered in humility, submission, and love—not just for oneself, but for all mankind. Prayers that reflect God's plan for blessing the entire human family are most in tune with His heart. It closes with a call to praise God for His love and to share the hope of Christ’s kingdom with the world, which will bring eternal peace, life, and joy for all who submit to God's righteous ways.