Message #10 (of 20) from the PrayerPower radio series
"Asking - God’s Way"

by Kaye Johns

Jesus taught us that everyone who asks receives [Matthew 7:8]. We need His Spirit to teach us what to ask, and to pray for us when we don’t know [Romans 8:26] or can’t verbalize our prayers. Equally important, if we find our prayers are not being answered, the Spirit helps us understand why [1 John 2:27].

Paul asked three times that the thorn be removed, and he was told no [2 Corinthians 12:8-9]. Daniel prayed more than three weeks before God’s angel told him his prayer had been answered the first day he began to pray [Daniel 9:2-14].

How did Paul know he should stop praying? How did Daniel know to continue? They lived in spiritual intimacy with the Lord; they had each learned to discern His voice. His Spirit was able to direct their prayers, as He will direct ours, when we are in such a relationship with Him.

Jesus never mentioned unanswered prayer. God will always answer; He will not leave us hanging. He won’t always answer yes, or the way we want Him to--but if His answer is "no," as it was to Paul, He will tell us clearly. If we’re to wait, and keep praying, as Daniel did, His Spirit will encourage us to persevere.

God wants to give us the gift of His Spirit if we ask [Luke 11:13], but beyond asking, we must be willing to spend time with Him, to come into a personal relationship with Him, in which we learn to discern His voice.

Pray with me now--Father send Your Spirit and help us to hear Him clearly as we pray, in Jesus name, amen.

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