“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”—1 John 5:14

I used to be the kind of person that would pray pretty generic prayers. Lord, bless my family. Let us have a good day. Not that there is anything wrong with praying those types of prayers because at least I was attempting to communicate with God. However when I prayed like that, how could I see God answering those prayers?

While I have been praying for my daughter about her future, I was specific. I prayed, Lord I pray for Your will for Danielle with graduate school. I know you will close or open doors for her and give her clarity on her future. I thank You that You know what is best for her. When she got her acceptance to graduate school, that was an answer for something I specifically prayed. God clearly opened the door for her to continue her education. 

I keep a journal where I include scripture that God is speaking to me as well as prayers. I am able to go back and read it and see what prayers have or haven’t been answered. Some days when something is heavy on my heart, I will write them in the little prayer box that I have so that I can put a check mark and move that piece of paper to the bottom of the stack. Once that box is full, I will be able to go back through them be reminded of God’s promise to me in 1 John 5:14.

Do you believe that God hears your prayers? If keeping a prayer journal/list isn’t something that you do, I would encourage you to start one this year. You will be amazed at how God is working in your life, even when you don’t think He is. You will be able to go back through it and see how God has been by your side and directing your steps. What you write doesn’t have to be eloquent. Write as if you are writing a letter to a close friend. Keep it simple. 

You will find as you pray more detailed prayers, that not only does your faith increase but you are also more aware when God has answered them. This will form a more intimate relationship with your Heavenly Father.

Dear Lord, 

According to Your Word, I can have confidence that when I pray according to Your will, You hear me and will answer my prayers Your way and in Your perfect time. Help me to lay my burdens at Your feet. I thank You that You use my prayer life to form a more intimate bond with me. I praise You for Your love, grace and mercy that you extend to me every second of every day. Open my eyes to those around me that  I need to pray for specifically this week. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.

Memory Verse:

“Do everything in love.” —1 Corinthians 16:14

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