PRAYERS ANSWERED
God’s Faithfulness in Scripture and Our Lives
Throughout Sacred Scripture, we witness God’s unwavering commitment to answer the prayers of His faithful servants. As Christians, we are called to trust in the Lord’s providence and approach Him with confidence in prayer.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus assures His disciples, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you” (Jn 15:7). This promise underscores the importance of maintaining a deep, abiding relationship with Christ as the foundation for effective prayer.
The Old Testament provides a powerful example of answered prayer in the story of King Solomon. At the beginning of his reign, Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings at Gibeon. Pleased with this act of devotion, God appeared to Solomon in a dream, saying, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you” (1 Kgs 3:5). Solomon’s request for wisdom to govern God’s people justly demonstrates the virtue of selflessness in prayer. The Lord, delighted by Solomon’s petition, granted him not only unparalleled wisdom but also riches and glory beyond measure (1 Kgs 3:10-14).
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches His followers to persist in prayer: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Mt 7:7). This exhortation encourages us to approach God with perseverance and trust, knowing that He hears our petitions.
The power of praying in Jesus’ name is emphasized throughout John’s Gospel. Christ promises, “Whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (Jn 14:13). This assurance reminds us that our prayers should align with God’s will and bring glory to Him.
However, we must also recognize that God’s wisdom sometimes leads Him to answer our prayers in unexpected ways. Jesus Himself experienced this in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!” (Mt 26:42). Instead of removing the suffering, God sent an angel to strengthen Jesus for His mission (Lk 22:43).
The Apostle Paul reminds us in his Letter to the Romans that God’s mercy and wisdom surpass our understanding: “I will show mercy to whom I will, I will take pity on whom I will” (Rom 9:15). This teaches us to trust in God’s perfect plan, even when His answers to our prayers seem unclear or delayed.
REFLECTION
As Christians, we are called to approach prayer with humility and faith, recognizing that our Heavenly Father knows our needs even before we ask (Mt 6:8). Jesus assures us, “If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him” (Mt 7:11).
In conclusion, let us take heart in the knowledge that God hears and answers our prayers according to His perfect will. As faithful Catholics, we are encouraged to persist in prayer, trusting in the Lord’s wisdom and timing. May we always seek to align our petitions with God’s will, remembering that our ultimate goal is to grow in holiness and draw closer to Him. Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that our loving Father desires to bless us and guide us on our journey of faith. As we deepen our relationship with Christ and remain steadfast in prayer, we become more attuned to God’s voice and His plan for our lives. Through prayer, we not only receive God’s blessings but also the strength and grace to fulfill our Christian calling.