That wasn’t the answer the person was looking for. It became obvious when they said, Have you ever prayed for something and not have your prayer answered? I had to answer truthfully, “Oh, yes, of course I’ve had that happen. Nothing in the Bible tells us we’ll get everything we ask for.” (But that doesn’t mean our prayers haven’t been answered – it only means we didn’t get what we want.)

The next question surprised me – “But how do you know it took your prayer in order to get what you wanted?” That’s another good question, isn’t it? I wasn’t quite certain how to answer it at first. Finally, I replied – “I don’t know for sure it was my prayer that was answered.” (Maybe other people were praying for the same thing.)

“Then why do you pray at all?” Another good question. I thought about a myriad of answers I could give . . . It makes me feel good. Because that’s what Christians do. Because that’s what Jesus did. Finally I answered, “Because Jesus wants us to.”

“Really?” they asked.

“Really.” I answered.

“Why would Jesus want you to pray?” Another good question, isn’t it? “Why does Jesus want us to pray?” Again, I had to think about that question and I even silently asked, ‘Why do you want us to pray?”
and then I answered out loud. “So God knows we want to be in relationship with him.” I was surprised by this answer – but I believe, in all it’s simplicity, that this answer is true. And in part, that’s one of the reasons I believe that prayer works. Not because of anything we do, but because it pleases God to know that we want to be in relationship with him. There are verses in the Bible that really seem to affirm this fact. A good explanation that comes to mind is found in James 5:13-18. I hope you’ll take some time to look that up to read and ponder it and then to begin to strengthen your relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

There are many references to prayer in the Bible and Jesus’ Disciples even asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. I have a short chapter in my book where I share with the reader some ‘intentional’ thinking about how we can put The Lord’s Prayer into action in our lives today. Our prayers are answered in many way, in accordance with God’s will. We may not always get exactly what we want, but God will give us what is best for us, always.

How do I know prayer works? Because I trust Jesus, because I know Him and because I know Him, I know prayer works.

Lord, Thank you for your examples and teachings of prayer from the Bible. Thank you for stories of faith and prayer that people share today. Please continue to draw people into loving relationship with you through your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Increase the life of prayer in your church throughout the world. AMEN