THE GOD WHO ANSWERS PRAYERS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Jeremiah 33:3

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

Supporting Texts:

Psalm 65:2, 1 John 5:14-15, Matthew 7:7-8, Isaiah 65:24, James 5:16

INTRODUCTION:

God is a prayer-answering God. He does not ignore the cries of His people but responds according to His will and purpose. Throughout the Scriptures, we see evidence that God delights in answering prayers. He is attentive to the petitions of the righteous and is always ready to intervene in their situations. This sermon will explore the attributes of God as the One who answers prayers, the conditions for answered prayers, and biblical examples of those who received divine responses.

1. GOD’S NATURE AS A PRAYER-ANSWERING GOD

God’s ability and willingness to answer prayers reveal His love and faithfulness to His people.

a) God is Attentive to Prayers – He hears the prayers of His children (Psalm 34:17).

b) God Delights in Answering Prayers – He takes pleasure in fulfilling the desires of those who seek Him (Proverbs 15:8).

c) God Answers in His Own Time and Way – His responses align with His perfect plan (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

d) God’s Answers Demonstrate His Sovereignty – He answers according to what is best for us (Romans 8:28).

e) Biblical Example:
Hannah (1 Samuel 1:9-20) – God answered Hannah’s persistent prayers and gave her a son, Samuel, after years of barrenness.

2. CONDITIONS FOR ANSWERED PRAYERS

For God to answer our prayers, certain conditions must be met.

a) Faith in God’s Ability – Without faith, it is impossible to receive from God (Hebrews 11:6).

b) Praying According to God’s Will – God answers prayers that align with His will (1 John 5:14-15).

c) A Righteous Lifestyle – The prayers of the righteous are powerful (James 5:16).

d) Persistence in Prayer – We must continue in prayer without losing heart (Luke 18:1-8).

e) Biblical Example:
Elijah (1 Kings 18:36-39) – Elijah prayed earnestly, and God answered him by sending fire from heaven to prove His power.

3. WAYS GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS

God answers prayers in different ways depending on His wisdom and divine purpose.

a) Yes – Immediate Answer – Sometimes God grants instant responses (Isaiah 65:24).

b) No – Denial for a Greater Purpose – God may refuse a request for our good (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).

c) Wait – Delayed Answer – God answers in His own time (Habakkuk 2:3).

d) Beyond Our Expectations – Unexpected Blessings – God does more than we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

e) Biblical Example:
Paul (2 Corinthians 12:8-9) – God did not remove Paul’s thorn in the flesh but gave him grace to endure it.

4. HINDRANCES TO ANSWERED PRAYERS

Certain factors can prevent prayers from being answered.

a) Unbelief and Doubt – A lack of faith hinders answers to prayers (James 1:6-7).

b) Unconfessed Sin – Sin creates a barrier between us and God (Isaiah 59:2).

c) Wrong Motives – Prayers driven by selfish desires are not answered (James 4:3).

d) Unforgiveness and Bitterness – Failing to forgive others can hinder prayers (Mark 11:25-26).

e) Biblical Example:
The Israelites (Numbers 14:26-30) – Due to their unbelief and rebellion, God refused to let them enter the Promised Land.

5. HOW TO RECEIVE ANSWERS TO PRAYERS

To experience divine answers, we must position ourselves properly before God.

a) Pray with Faith and Expectation – Believe that God will answer (Mark 11:24).

b) Pray with Thanksgiving – Gratitude paves the way for answered prayers (Philippians 4:6).

c) Pray in the Name of Jesus – The name of Jesus grants us access to the Father (John 14:13-14).

d) Pray in the Spirit – The Holy Spirit helps us pray effectively (Romans 8:26-27).

e) Biblical Example:
Daniel (Daniel 10:12-14) – Daniel persisted in prayer until God’s answer was delivered, despite spiritual opposition.

CONCLUSION:

God is still in the business of answering prayers. He hears, He sees, and He responds according to His perfect will. No matter the delay or hindrance, God remains faithful to His promises. As we continue to trust Him in prayer, we will experience divine intervention and supernatural breakthroughs.

PRAYER POINTS:

Father, I thank You because You are the God who answers prayers.
Lord, increase my faith to trust in Your ability to answer my prayers.
Every hindrance to my prayers, be removed in Jesus' name.
O God, answer me speedily and grant me testimonies.
Lord, help me to pray according to Your will at all times.
I break every delay assigned to my prayer requests.
Father, open the heavens over my life and shower me with blessings.
Let the fire of God consume every power resisting my answers.
Lord, fill me with the spirit of persistence and patience in prayer.
Father, let my life be a testimony of Your faithfulness in answering prayers.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

I declare that your prayers will not be in vain; you shall receive divine answers!
Every delay to your prayers is broken now in Jesus' name!
The heavens are open over you, and God will surprise you with great testimonies!
Every hindrance to your answered prayers is destroyed today!
The Lord will answer you beyond your expectations!
You shall receive supernatural breakthroughs as you call upon the Lord!
The power of God will remove every obstacle standing between you and your miracle!
Divine favour will accompany your prayer requests, bringing instant answers!
The Lord will make you a living testimony of His power to answer prayers!
From today, you will experience divine speed in all your requests before God!

This sermon encourages believers to trust in God's power to answer prayers and equips them with biblical principles to pray effectively.

DESTINY ALIVE SERIES with Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Monday, 17 February 2025