Neville Turley

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”1 Peter 3:12 (NIV)

Throughout the world Christians by the millions can and do testify that God has answered their specific prayers. 

Do prayers work for you?  If not, we should ask ourselves – why?

One factor we should never lose sight of is that our Father’s love has no bounds.  We may in our prayers unknowingly plead for what will ultimately be detrimental to the wellbeing of ourselves or others. God, who is all knowing, does not grant such prayer requests. 

He always has our best interest at heart. Even though we live in a fallen world which is evil and corrupt, our Father will not allow the devil to triumph. Job bears testimony to that. The book of Job is unique in that it is set out as a play.

In the prologue Job is depicted as a pious man of great wealth, blessed with a close and happy family. However, a series of tragedies shattered Job’s idyllic existence.  Under concerted attacks from satan, Job loses his family, his health and his wealth. 

Job pleads for answers from God.  His friends try to help too, but cannot.  Job becomes angry. “Teach me and I will become quiet.  Show me where I have been wrong.” (Job 6:24)

God then answers Job with questions of his own. Who created the universe? Who is responsible for its majestic and mysterious workings? Job is humbled as he realises just how arrogant and self-righteous he has been. 

His prayers of complaint and self-justification change to a mighty prayer of repentance and adoration. (Job 42:1-6) Job is restored to a position of eminence and is blessed with a family again.  His wealth is doubled and he is granted long life.

Do prayers work for us? Absolutely, provided Christians never forget that the key to effective prayer is knowing God through Jesus and humbly putting our complete faith and trust in Him.

Prayer:  O God our Father, grant that we may become increasingly aware of how best we can glorify you.  This we ask in Jesus name.  Amen