Prayer Effectiveness and Answered Prayers in Christianity
Prayer Effectiveness and Answered Prayers in Christianity
The concept of prayer effectiveness and answered prayers is rooted in biblical teachings and has been a subject of theological discussion across various Christian traditions. The Bible provides numerous examples and guidelines for prayer, emphasizing its significance in the life of believers.
The efficacy of prayer is a recurring theme in the Psalms, where the psalmist frequently appeals to God for help and expresses confidence in God's willingness to hear and respond to prayer [1]. For instance, Psalm 4:1 says, "Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer" [1]. This confidence is not limited to individual prayers but is also reflected in the communal prayers of the people of God.
The New Testament continues this emphasis on prayer, with Jesus teaching his disciples how to pray effectively through the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) [2]. The apostles and early Christian communities followed Jesus' example, praying fervently and expecting God to answer their prayers [4]. The book of Acts records the early church's practice of prayer, noting that "the church prayed very earnestly" for Peter's release from prison, and God answered their prayers (Acts 12:5-17) [4].
Christian traditions have interpreted the effectiveness of prayer in various ways. Some emphasize the importance of praying in accordance with God's will, as expressed in 1 John 5:14-15, which states that if we ask anything according to God's will, God hears us [6]. Others highlight the role of faith and persistence in prayer, citing Jesus' teachings on the subject (Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8) [5].
The Reformed tradition, represented by Calvin, underscores the sovereignty of God in answering prayers, emphasizing that God's responses are always in accordance with His will and purposes [3]. In his commentary on Philippians, Calvin notes the importance of prayer in the life of believers, referencing various biblical passages that encourage prayer [3].
The Wesleyan/Methodist tradition, as represented by Adam Clarke, emphasizes the importance of fervent and faithful prayer, encouraging believers to pray with persistence and confidence that God will answer their prayers in due time [5]. According to Clarke, even if prayers are not immediately answered, they are still heard by God and will be answered in the most effectual way and at the best time.
The Presbyterian tradition, as seen in the commentary by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, highlights the connection between prayer and obedience, noting that believers receive answers to their prayers because they keep God's commandments [6]. This perspective emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.
Sources
- Psalms “Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. -- Psalms 4:1”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 6:9: 6:9-13 The Lord’s Prayer is similar in form to a common Jewish prayer (the qaddish). Jesus gave this prayer to his followers as a succinct expression of their new faith. 6:9 Pray like this: In contrast to the vain repetition of pagan prayers (6:7-8), “the Lord’s Prayer” is a model of simplicity. • Jews rarely addressed God as Father, but Jesus did so in every prayer but one (Mark 15:34). • may your name be kept holy: God’s name is profaned by the sin of his people (Isa 29:22-24; Jer 34:15-16; Ezek 39:7; Amos 2:7).”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 84.1: Index of Scripture References Genesis 1 1:26 3:22 9:6 9:6 9:6 14:13 Exodus 7:11 14:13 14:31 32:32 Leviticus 19:14 Deuteronomy 7:7-8 10:17 13:3 1 Kings 19:18 Job 4:18 Psalms 7:8 35:19 37:5 55:22 55:22 69:28 73:1-12 122:6 128:2 137:6 138:8 138:8 145:18 Proverbs 3:5 5:15 8:36 10:4 Ecclesiastes 9:3 Isaiah 11:4 26:9 30:15 30:21 33:22 42:1 45:23 48:11 50:5 53:1 55:11 55:13 60:2 60:2 60:2 64:8 Jeremiah 5:8 17:9 23:29 31:33 Ezekiel 11:20 Daniel 12:2 Hosea 1:10-11 Amos 9:36 Zechariah 14:8 Malachi 4:2 Matthew 5:11 5:14 5:15 ”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 12:5: 12:5 the church prayed very earnestly: God answers the earnest prayers of his people (12:6-17; see Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8; cp. Matt 7:7-11; John 15:7; Phil 4:6-7; Jas 5:16; 1 Jn 3:22).”
- Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 1:13: Thy prayer is heard - This probably refers, 1st, to the frequent prayers which he had offered to God for a son; and 2dly, to those which he had offered for the deliverance and consolation of Israel. They are all heard - thou shalt have a son, and Israel shall be saved. If fervent faithful prayers be not immediately answered, they should not be considered as lost; all such are heard by the Lord, are registered in heaven, and shall be answered in the most effectual way, and in the best time. Answers to prayer are to be received by faith; but faith should not only accomp”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:22: we receive--as a matter of fact, according to His promise. Believers, as such, ask only what is in accordance with God's will; or if they ask what God wills not, they bow their will to God's will, and so God grants them either their request, or something better than it. because we keep his commandments--Compare Psa 66:18; Psa 34:15; Psa 145:18-19. Not as though our merits earned a hearing for our prayers, but when we are believers in Christ, all our works of faith being the fruit of His Spirit in us, are "pleasing in God's sight"; and our prayers bei”