Prayers That God Hears

Rev. 8:4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.

They call it bottled up prayers. Prayers that have ascended to the throne of God and appear to fall on deaf ears. Prayers seemly that never reached heaven in our life time. But John saw that the prayers of the saints were unleashed to the throne of God. Sometimes there are good reasons why our prayers are not answered. “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” These prayers are more of a “Wish list” of things we want or think we need. God sometimes grants these prayers, but they often result with leanness of heart. But prayers that fulfill the purpose of God and glorify Him eventually find their way before the throne. Prayers for the souls who are lost in sin are at the top of the list. God desires that all will come to repentance. Prayers that call on God to make us pure and clean. This is the will of God, even your sanctification. For God to answer these prayers, calls for hearts to be open to truth. God continues to work in the hearts of men. He knocks, but we must be willing to open. We have a charge to pray for the sick and well being of others, but He knows what is best in every situation. Prayer is an essential element in the sustainability of the Christian life. It is our responsibility to pray, the rest is left with God who knows best.