How God Answers Prayer

     Throughout my life, I have often heard how the resources and privileges that we have today are a result of the prayers of our ancestors. Things that the older generations were praying for may not have come to pass in their lifetime, but we are seeing the manifestations of their prayers today. Think of the vision that Dr. Martin Luther King had in his famous “I Have A Dream” speech. While we have not crossed the finishing line in regards to racial equality, the vision and prayers of Dr. King (and so many others) created a path of opportunity for people like Barack Obama to become America’s first black President.      

     

     Think for a moment how many of our ancestors were not able to go to school past the age of 10 years old or even graduate from high school. Yet, the doors of opportunity are wide open so that we can have access to higher education, thriving careers, and impact the world in which we live. I am not referring to opportunities made available to just African Americans, but for people of all races, genders, children, those who have often been cast to the side, and especially for those who feel as if their voices have not been heard.

     

     Reflecting on the path that my ancestors have paved for me and future generations to come reminds me of the faith of those recorded in Hebrews 11. These were men and women, who believed God for certain things and while God blessed them in mighty ways during their lifetime, verse 39 tells us that they died without reaping all of God’s blessings. I believe that the prayers that our ancestors were lifting up to God were in hopes that it would come to pass in their lifetime, but I have learned over the years that we have no control over how or when our prayers will be answered. We just know that God can and He will do it in His timing.

It can sound a bit discouraging when you pray for something to happen right away, but God knows best. While we think those prayers are to directly benefit us and our loved ones, sometimes God uses those prayers to be manifested at a certain point in life.  When we pray, it is extremely important to not only pray for your needs and the needs of your family, but also pray for the needs of others, even for those you do not know. Not only can your prayers be a blessing to others, but the prayers of others can be a blessing to you. Bishop Paul Morton said it best, "I'll pray for you, you pray for me, and watch God change things."  

     

     One of my favorite quotes was spoken by Thurgood Marshall, in which he says, “None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We got here because somebody - a parent, a teacher, an Ivy League crony or a few nuns - bent down and helped us pick up our boots.” We know that along the way, whether directly or indirectly, someone helped us to become the people that we are today. It was the prayers of those who faced various forms of injustice that opened the door for racial integration, for women to find themselves in positions of leadership, and for children in various parts of the world to gain access to clean water, medical care, and nutritious food.  It was the prayers of those who were denied access to education that opened the doors for us to have a wealth of opportunities to get advanced degrees and careers. It was the prayers of those who experienced tragedy and violence that opened doors for people to step up as advocates, and speak on behalf of those who have been silenced because of their trauma. 

     Does that mean that you shouldn’t pray because there may be the possibility that God will not answer it or that it will not directly benefit you? The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing”, so even while we may not know when or how God will answer those prayers, faith is believing that He will be faithful to do it. If you’ve been praying for financial peace, it doesn’t mean that you’ll wake up tomorrow and be a lottery winner. It is possible that you might have to experience a season of lack, hardships, and start from the bottom in order to get to financial peace.

     

     If you’ve been praying that your children/grandchildren will stop being rebellious, stop using drugs or alcohol or stay out of jail, there’s a possibility that it may not happen for that particular child. However, when that child grows up and becomes a parent, he/she will remember the difficulties that they caused others in their youth, and can be the catalyst to break those generational curses from continuing to destroy families. Just know that God does hear your prayers and is concerned about every need that you have. As you pray, remind yourself that God’s timing is perfect and those prayers will be answered in the way that He feels is best. He has not forgotten about you, but every test and trial that you face in life is just to make you stronger, build up your testimony, and be a witness of God’s faithfulness to all who put their trust in Him.