Reason With God

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REASON WITH GOD

God is willing to listen and reason with us. He likes to hear of our concerns. We just need to talk to him.

Scripture:
Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Isaiah 41:21 Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob.

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
It is important to converse and discuss our thoughts and feelings with Our Father.

Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this
study of His word, Amen.
Susan

Promise to Solomon and the Children of Israel

PROMISE TO SOLOMON AND JEREMIAH

God searches the hearts of man. He says, “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” Isa 55:6

He made a promise to King Solomon.

And thou Solomon my son, know thou the God of they father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast the off for ever. (1st Chronicles 28:9)

Also in a letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the children of Israel which had been carried away captive by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon. The promise was that if their search for him was sincere he would be found.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)

We also find these words in the Psalms.

The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever. (Psalms 22:26)

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
Our Father searches our hearts and knows who is sincere in their desire for truth and will reveal himself to those who are honestly seeking.

Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this
study of His word, Amen.
Susan

Spirit and Truth

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SPIRIT AND TRUTH

In the book of John the Comforter, also called the spirit of truth, was promised to those who love Jesus and keep his commandments. Jesus said the spirit of truth will teach us all things. When Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well he explained that the true worshipers would now worship God, not in a location, but in Spirit and Truth.

Scripture:
The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what; we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:19-24)
If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (John 14:15-18)

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
We have learned that if we love Jesus and keep his commandments he will give us the Spirit of Truth who will teach us and in this spirit we should worship him.

Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this
study of His word, Amen.
Susan

The Lord’s Prayer

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THE LORD’S PRAYER
What is traditionally called The Lord’s Prayer is found in the books of Matthew and Luke. In Luke, it describes that the disciples asked him to teach them to pray so we can conclude that this is an example to us on how to pray. The entire prayer is given in the book of Matthew. In the gospels Jesus always began his prayers with Our Father or Father. He designates that Our Father is in heaven and his name should be Hallowed. The word Hallowed is the same word as the word used for sanctified often in the New Testament.

Jesus points out that Our Father’s will is done in heaven and tells us to ask that his will be done here on earth as well. He tells us to ask for our daily bread. This could be our physical food or we could consider it spiritual bread from the word of God. He then says to ask for forgiveness for our sins noting that we will be forgiven in the same manner as we forgive others.

One of the most significant requests that Jesus says we should ask Our Father for is to be lead away from temptation and evil.

Scripture:
And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of the disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”(Luke 11:1)

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:9-13)

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
We are to address our prayers to Our Father. We are to request for His Kingdom to come to earth, for our daily food, for forgiveness and to be lead away from evil.

Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this
study of His word, Amen.
Susan

Jesus Prayed

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JESUS PRAYED

Prayer was a priority in Jesus’ life. We find three examples mentioned in the gospels where Jesus went off alone to pray. Each time he went up into the mountains. We discover that there were times when he prayed all night.

A person has to wonder, what did he talk about all night and how did he manage to go without sleep? How often have we prayed all night?

Prayer needs be a valuable part of our lives also.

Scripture:
And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.” (Matthew 14:23)

And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.” (Mark 6:46)

And it came to pass in those days that he went out into a mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God.” (Luke 6:12)

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
Prayer was a significant part of Jesus’ life and he often went off alone into the mountains to pray. Sometimes praying for the entire night.

Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this
study of His word, Amen.
Susan

Instructions Concerning Prayer

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INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING PRAYER

Jesus instructs us that we are not to pray to impress others, but are to pray privately to our Father and he will openly reward us. He wants us to talk to him, not in repetitive verses or statements, but from the heart. The expression, vain repetition, doesn’t mean that we are not to be persistent on a particular request, because in another parable we were told to be persistent, but that we are not to repeat words over and over, like repeatedly chanting empty words.

Scripture:
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” (Matthew 6:5-8)

And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers; these shall receive greater damnation. (Mark 12:38-40)

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
We are to pray privately; not repetitiously or to impress others.

Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this
study of His word, Amen.

Humility in Prayer

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HUMILITY IN PRAYER

Jesus stressed the importance of humility in prayer when he shared with us this parable. We see that the first man in the parable was self-centered and self-righteous. The second man was humble before God.

Scripture:
And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14)

Another example regarding humility in prayer is brought forth in the Old Testament book of Psalms.

LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:” (Psalms 10:17)

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
God will respond to and exalt those who come humbly before him.

Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this study of His word, Amen.
Susan

Do Not Give Up

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DO NOT GIVE UP

The following two parables given by Jesus encourage us not to give up, but to keep praying. He first uses the example of a neighbor who doesn’t want to be bothered, but because of the friend’s persistence, and a sense of shame, he gives the friend what he needs.

Scripture:
And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity (*sense of shame) he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, And it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Luke 11:5-10) (*Strong’s Concordance)

In the second parable, which encourages persistence, Jesus speaks of a widowed lady who is asking a judge to avenge her against an enemy; much in the same manner we ask God to make things right, when we have been wronged by a particular situation or person. We see the judge in this circumstance was not even a believer. Jesus gives us confidence that God will quickly make things right for us. Jesus then questions whether or not he will find faith on the earth when he returns, emphasizing the importance of faith, especially in the end times.

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:1-8)

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
We have learned to be persistent in our prayers and not to give up.

Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this
study of His word, Amen.
Susan

Ask, Seek and Knock

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ASK, SEEK and KNOCK

Jesus explains to us that we are to ask and we will receive, to seek for an answer and we will find it. We are then instructed to demonstrate faith by tapping on the door and receiving the answer.

He gives us the example of how much we enjoy giving to our children, pointing out the fact that we wouldn’t consider giving them something dreadful. He continues on to say that our Father would not give us something terrible either in response to our requests. When we consider what pleasure we receive, giving to our children, we can identify more easily with him when he says how much he enjoys, in the same manner, giving to us.

Scripture:
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him.” (Matthew 7:7-11)

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
We have learned that we need to ask, seek and knock and the answer will be given to us. Also that he doesn’t give us something bad anymore then we would give something bad to our own children.

Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this
study of His word, Amen.
Susan

Praying With Others

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PRAYING WITH OTHERS

Concerning praying with another individual or in a group, the same promises are available as with individuals who pray alone.

His promised presence amoung us when we pray together is a treasure. As with our individual prayers we should not neglect to always keep in mind the, “ifs”.

Scripture:
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. “If” ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14)

“If” ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:7)

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and “bring forth fruit,” and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. (John 15:16)

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
When we gather together in his name he is there with us. And, (1) IF we abide in Him and He in us (2) IF we ask according to His will (3) IF we are doing His work by believing and/or bringing in fruit, we may ask anything and He will do it

Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this
study of His word, Amen.
Susan

Faith over Fear

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FAITH OVER FEAR

The disciples were stricken with panic when a severe storm developed while they were out on a boat with Jesus. Jesus was sound asleep when, in their fright, the disciples woke him. Jesus rebuked them because of their fearfulness and then prayed. Immediately the weather became calm. The disciples were dumbfounded that the weather obeyed him as they watched the storm dissipate before their eyes?

Jesus’ words, “Why are you fearful?” brings to light the concept that having faith eliminates our fears which makes sense. If we know and believe in our heart that everything is going to be all right, then why would we be afraid?

Scripture:
And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marveled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! (Matthew 8:24-27)

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
We have learned that faith takes away our fears.

Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this
study of His word, Amen.
Susan

Healing Faith

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HEALING FAITH

The significance of faith is confirmed in all three gospels, where we read the account of a lady who had a health issue for twelve years. Jesus informs the woman that her faith brought about her healing. This account can also be found in Mark 5 and Luke 8. Faith is also referred to when Jesus heals the two blind men “according to their faith”.

Scripture:
And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. (Matthew 9:20-22)

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.” (Matthew 9:27-29)

As is confirmed in the book of James. The prayer of faith will heal the sick.

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick. (James 5:14-15)

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
We have learned that faith can bring about a healing.

Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this
study of His word, Amen.
Susan

Faith and Prayer

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FAITH AND PRAYER

Jesus gives us two important elements concerning prayer in the book of Mark. We must have faith and believe.

From the book of Hebrews we see that faith pleases God and that a lack of faith displeases him.

Scripture:
Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (Mark 11:24)

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
We must have faith and believe in order to have our prayers answered.

Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this
study of His word, Amen.
Susan

National Repentence

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NATIONAL REPENTENCE

What can we do if we see our nation is turning from God and heading down a road to destruction? There are actions that we Christians can take to bring about a healing for our country? The scriptures below describe actions that we can take such as, humble ourselves, pray, seek and do God’s will and turn from wickedness.

Note that 2nd Chronicles reads, “if my people”. Not necessarily all of the people. Our obedience can bring about a healing that even non-believers will benefit from.

Scripture:
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2nd Chronicles 7:14)

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. (Jeremiah 7:23)

At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them. (Jeremiah 18:7-10)

Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; (Deuteronomy 4:5-9)

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
We have learned four facts concerning the healing of a nation. (1) IF we humble ourselves (2) IF we pray (3) IF we seek and obey His will and (4) IF we turn from wickedness, He will forgive and heal our land.

Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this
study of His word, Amen.
Susan

Forgiveness

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FORGIVENESS

Jesus explains that we will be forgiven in the same manner as we forgive.

There are those who wrong us in ignorance. Remember Jesus’ statement while dying on the cross. “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) Later, in the book of Acts, we have the example of Steven asking for the forgiveness of those who were stoning him. He said, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge”. These words of Paul confirm that he did the same: “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me. I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.” (II Timothy 4:16)

Jesus, Steven and Paul asked forgiveness for the people because of their ignorance and so can we.

We are not asked to forgive people who have intentionally harmed others or ourselves, unless they have repented or asked, but in order to have peace of mind; we may choose to forgive them in our hearts. Carrying hate in our heart can be destructive to our own life.

Peter questioned Jesus how often a person should forgive another. In the book of Matthew, Jesus answered Peter in depth: “I say not unto thee, until seven times; but, until seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:22) The total of seventy times seven equals four hundred and ninety.

Scripture:
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15)

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. (Mark 11:25-26)

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. (Luke 17:3-4)

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
We are forgiven in the same manner as we forgive. Jesus, Steven and Paul forgave others who had not asked because they understood their ignorance. We are not required to forgive those who do not ask, but for our own benefit we should.

Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this
study of His word, Amen.
Susan

Receiving What We Request In Prayer

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RECIEVING WHAT WE REQUEST IN PRAYER

In these few verses Jesus has assured us that our prayer requests will be granted if we do certain things first. The reason that He will do whatever we ask in his name is so that our Father may be glorified. He pledges to grant what is asked to those who abide in him and in his word.

These words are spoken to all of us, not just the disciples, or priests or preachers. It is to those who “bring forth fruit”. Jesus summed it up for us when asked “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:27-29) Belief is considered a work.

Scripture:
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14)

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:7)

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. (John 15:16)

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
We have learned these facts concerning prayer. (1) IF we abide in Him and He in us (2) IF we ask according to His will and (3) IF we are doing His work by believing and/or bringing in fruit, we may ask anything and He will do it.

Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this
study of His word, Amen.
Susan

Why Do Bad Things Happen?

WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE OR WHY DO WE SEEM TO HAVE UNANSWERED PRAYERS.
Why doesn’t God answer my prayer? Even though I am praying, why does he allow bad things to happen? We will take a look at some sobering scriptures that may shed light on these questions.

Perhaps it is because we are only asking for material things and not really concerned about the kingdom of God. James 4:3 states, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” In the book of Proverbs we read, “The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.” (Proverbs 11:23) Are our desires good?

Jesus gave an example of how we could abuse our prayer privileges while Satan was challenging to tempt him. After not eating for 40 days, Satan suggested to Jesus that he command a stone be turned into bread and Jesus refused. Satan also said to Jesus that he should jump off of a roof because God would protect him. Jesus again refused. Jesus’ example teaches us that we are not to jump off of a cliff, place our hand in fire, or step in front of a train, saying, “God will protect me.”

Has God hid himself from us because we have turned to other gods? Other gods could be many things: a house, a car, a career, a hobby or maybe even a person. This could also be said of a nation. What is the mind of the population as a whole? God says, “Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them: so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us? And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils, which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods.” (Deuteronomy 31:17-18)

Yet again, in Micah, God speaks of hiding his face from the people. “Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.” (Micah 3:4) In addition, He says he will hide his face from us because we forgot God and we show no faith as is described in Deuteronomy. “Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and has forgotten God that formed thee. And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters. And he said, I will hide my face from them; I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.” (Deuteronomy 32:18-20)

Perhaps our prayers are not answered because we do not consider our Father’s words as valuable. We refuse to listen to or read his word. God says, “hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it.” (Jeremiah 6:19)

Several actions are listed in the book of Deuteronomy that bring about a curse, which could hinder our prayers. Man’s actions bring on the curse, not God. These actions can all be repented for and forgiven through Jesus Christ. “Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, (to worship it)* Cursed be the man that setteth light by his father or his mother, (light means dishonor or disgrace)* Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark. Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way, (misleads those who cannot see- fig. Or physically)* Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. (Perverts justice)* Cursed be he that lieth with his father’s wife: (sexual relations)* Cursed be he that lieth with any maner of beast. (Beast cattle, animal)* Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, Cursed be he that lieth with his mother in law, Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbor secretly. (Strike, beat, scourge, or even kill)* Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them.” (Deuteronomy 27:15-26) (*Strong’s Concordance)

The phrase “the burden of the Lord” is especially offensive to God and could be a reason for unanswered prayer. As we read in these scriptures, he does not like it. How would we feel if, after giving our all for our children, they were to say to us, what burden do you have for me today? It would be disheartening. “And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD. And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house. Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken? And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man’s word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God. Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken? But since ye say, The burden of the LORD; therefore thus saith the LORD; Because ye say this word, The burden of the LORD, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the LORD; Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence: And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.” (Jeremiah 23:33-40) God does not create burdens for his children; our Father brings life and peace. Jesus said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”(John 10:9-10)

Trusting in man instead of God is an action that can bring about a curse, as is described in the book of Jeremiah.“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.” (Jeremiah 17:5-6) The Lord continues on to describe what action brings about a blessing in our lives. “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding “(Jeremiah 17:7-8) What he says next isn’t pleasant to hear. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) He points out again the lowliness of our minds, but he says he searches the heart or mind and then gives us the option to exercise faith. Perhaps things happen to test us, to see if we will trust God or man. “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:10)

An additional reason why bad things happen to us and our prayers seem to go unanswered might be found in the book of Job. Job was a close to perfect, upright man who honored God and hated evil. His world crumbled around him, but as verse 1:22 states “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”

Sometimes bad things happen as a test structured by Satan, as it did to Job. “Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for naught? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou has blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to they face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” (Job 1:9-12)

Jesus confirmed in the book of Luke the fact that Satan can bind some people for several years. “And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” (Luke 13:16) Likewise, these words spoken by Jesus to Peter verify that Satan frequently is at the core of our troubles. Being “sifted as wheat” can be an agonizing experience. “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:31-32) Jesus prayed for Peter that his faith would triumph, which it did, and Peter went on to strengthen countless others.

For the sake of our own soul, some of us may be turned over to Satan. As described in the second chapter of this book, King Manasseh lost everything and was turned over to destruction. Many beautiful people in this world receive an eye opener for their soul by falling to the bottom. Whether it is financial loss, drugs, alcohol, pornography, greed, illness, catastrophe, injury, or love loss, sometimes it takes tragedy to get our attention. Paul writes, “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (I Corinthians 5:5)

The apostle Paul was given a medical condition to keep him “down to earth” in the eyes of the people, so that, as a result of a divine revelation he had been shown, he would not appear too highly in the eyes of man. Paul prayed to God for it to be removed, but God said no. II Corinthians 12:7 explains, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measurer.”

James says to regard it as a privilege when we come into trying situations. We should consider it an opportunity to practice our faith. “My Brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that we may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

We need to keep in mind that God does not tempt us. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” (James 1:13-14) There are no circumstances that are unique to one individual. God promises he will not let it go beyond what we can tolerate and to show us a way of escape. He promises us, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (I Corinthians 10:13)

A lack of faith may be a reason for unanswered prayer. We read in the scriptures circumstances involving Jesus and faith, such as the women who touched his garment, the touching the eyes of the two blind men, and when Jesus calmed the storm. We learn that a lack of faith offends God, as was confirmed in the words from the book of Hebrews, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Again, unforgiveness is another factor that may be hindering our prayer life. The Lord’s Prayer states, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12) Jesus said we would be forgiven in the same manner as we forgive. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15) When asked, Jesus said in Matthew 18:22 that we are to forgive seventy times seven times. We also read, because of the lack of knowledge or ignorance of the people that Jesus, Steven and Paul forgave without being asked.

Another aspect we may consider looking into if our prayers are not being answered is our relationship with our mate. Peter gave information concerning our marriage relationship. He wrote this concerning marriage and prayer: “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” (I Peter 1-12)

“Why do our prayers sometimes seem to go unanswered? Why does God allow bad things to happen?” First, bad situations are usually a result of our own actions and decisions. That said, the scriptures we have just covered reveal possible reasons for not receiving a response form God, individually or as a nation. When we lack faith, when we have turned away from God, when we are being tested, when we are unforgiving, when we have been turned over to Satan, when we have created a sin-induced curse, or in order to keep us from being too highly exalted, God’s answer may be unresponsive or no to our request.
From My Pray Book by S.L. Honeycutt