Bible Study

Praying With Confidence

Would you say that you know how to pray? Are you certain that your prayers are effective and powerful? You can be. In this study, you will discover the secrets to dynamic, confident prayer.

Personal Assessment

• What do you think is the purpose of prayer? Compare this with how you approach prayer on a regular basis.

   

• In your experience, what makes prayer effective?

   

A. The Importance of a Close Relationship With God

Prayer is the vehicle through which we develop intimacy with the Father. Through it, we worship Him, confess our sins, express thankfulness for His blessings, and lay our requests before Him.

• Why can we, as believers, be so confident in approaching the Father with what we need (John 14:6)?

   

• Why should we expect God to answer our prayers (John 15:6; Rom. 8:32)?

   

A life of rebellion and indifference short-circuits our boldness in prayer. The apostle John writes that “if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God” (1 John 3:21).

• Are you holding on to any sin that cheats you out of your confidence and faith in prayer? Write a prayer of confession, and surrender that area of your life to the Lord.

   

One caution: Although sin hinders our prayers, living righteously does not guarantee that our prayers will be answered according to our desires.

B. The Importance of God’s Will

Biblically speaking, the Lord’s will determines whether or not a prayer is answered.

1 John 5:14-15 says:

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.

In this passage, the Greek word for “hear” does not just mean that our prayers are audible. It carries with it the idea of “listening attentively” or “listening favorably.” The fact that the Father hears prayer signifies that He answers prayer.

• According to this passage, how can we be sure our prayers will be answered?

   

• The fact that God answers only those prayers which are within His will can seem discouraging. Why is this limitation actually a blessing (Ps. 62:11-12)?

   

C. Practical Ways to Know God’s Will

Knowing the will of God is critical if we are to pray effectively. What are the primary ways He reveals His purposes and plans?

The Bible explains the Father’s general will (Ps. 119:105). The Word of God sets guidelines for our lives that can direct our prayers. For example, we can confidently ask the Lord to help us provide for our families (1 Tim. 5:8). We can also request His peace, no matter what our circumstances may be (Isa. 41:10).

• What biblical principles show you God’s general will regarding a situation you are facing now? Find a few applicable scriptures, and use them to write a prayer that is within the Father’s will.

   

The Holy Spirit reveals the specific will of the Lord. Especially in important decisions—such as which college to attend, whom to marry, or which job to take—we should discover and follow God’s unique plans for our lives.

Describe the work of the Holy Spirit in each passage:

• John 16:13

   

• John 3:24

   

• 1 Corinthians 2:10-12

   

The Holy Spirit takes the general revelation of God and applies it to our situation so that we know the Lord’s will. When you aren’t sure about His intentions for your life, ask Him to speak to your heart, and trust that in time, He will reveal His plans.

Can we always know God’s will? No. Consider that Paul asked the Lord to remove his “thorn” three times before God revealed its purpose in his life (2 Cor. 12:7-10). However, it’s fine to share our wants and desires in prayer, especially in those situations.

Sometimes we know the will of the Father quickly. Other times, God waits to reveal His point of view. Either way, if the Lord doesn’t grant our request, we should remember that although what we asked appeared ideal, it was not His best for our lives.

• Describe a situation in which the Lord didn’t answer your prayer even though it seemed within His will.

   

• Looking back, why do you think He didn’t grant your request?

   

Closing: Would you like to see the Father answer your prayers as never before? Then discover His specific will for your situation through the principles of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit directs your prayer, you can have confidence that God will answer your petition.