“And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”—Isaiah 65:24 (See also Daniel 9:23.)CWG 56.1

QUESTION

In what way does God answer sincere prayer?CWG 56.2

ANSWER

Always for your good: “Ask, then; ask, and ye shall receive. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage, increase of faith. To every sincere prayer an answer will come. It may not come just as you desire, or at the time you look for it; but it will come in the way and at the time that will best meet your need. The prayers you offer in loneliness, in weariness, in trial, God answers, not always according to your expectations, but always for your good.”—Gospel Workers, 258CWG 56.3

Strengthening of the inner life: “When we seek to gain heaven through the merits of Christ, the soul makes progress. Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, we may go on from strength to strength, from victory to victory; for through Christ the grace of God has worked out our complete salvation.”—Selected Messages 1:364CWG 56.4

In direction for action: “Jesus does not call on us to follow Him, and then forsake us. If we surrender our lives to His service, we can never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. Whatever may be our situation, we have a guide to direct our way....CWG 56.5

“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”—Gospel Workers, 263CWG 56.6

In quieting anxiety: “Summon all your powers to look up, not down at your difficulties; then you will never faint by the way. You will soon see Jesus behind the cloud, reaching out His hand to help you; and all you have to do is to give Him your hand in simple faith and let Him lead you.”—Testimonies For The Church 5:578CWG 56.7

In assurance of sin forgiven: “It is God's glory to encircle sinful, repentant human beings in the arms of His love, to bind up their wounds, to cleanse them from sin, and to clothe them with the garments of salvation.”—Prophets and Kings, 668CWG 57.1

In a sense of divine companionship: “Jesus, the Majesty of heaven, proposes to elevate to companionship with Himself those who come to Him with their burdens, their weaknesses, and their cares....CWG 57.2

“It is our privilege to have daily a calm, close, happy walk with Jesus.”—Our High Calling, 97CWG 57.3

Through divine providences: “Pray in faith, and the mystery of His providence will bring its answer.”—Testimonies For The Church 7:245CWG 57.4

Christ presents our prayers as His own request: “No sooner does the child of God approach the mercy seat than he becomes the client of the great Advocate. At his first utterance of penitence and appeal for pardon Christ espouses his case and makes it His own, presenting the supplication before the Father as His own request.”—Testimonies For The Church 6:364CWG 57.5

SUMMARY AND PRAYER THOUGHT

When our hands and hearts are clean then simple prayer of faith God has promised to answer. If not, then ask for humility, wisdom, courage, increase of faith, patience, and to know how and what to pray for.CWG 57.6

When we are tired, lonely, distressed, disappointed, overworked and burdened with a load of care, and we see no way out, and when people don't seem to care or understand, and our problems overwhelm us and we feel depressed and forsaken, then please look up, reach up to Heaven by simple childlike faith and get hold of the hand of our loving and caring God and don't let it go until he blesses you.CWG 57.7

When our hands and hearts are united with God then he says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” He can be trusted! Simply believe Him even when every appearance indicates the opposite.CWG 57.8

Chapter 21—Feeling Not a Criterion

Chapter 23—Obedience and Faith a Condition of Prayer