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Brethren, I know the confusion and frustration that comes when heartfelt prayers do not lead to the desired result. The problem usually lies not with the outcome but with the prayer itself. There is a common misconception that God will give us everything we ask for.

“You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
John 14:14 (NIV)
Prayer is to bring us and God closer together, not to persuade Him into doing things our way. We align our will with His, not His with ours. We forget that He has already determined what is best for us.
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
God indeed answers prayer. But how does he answer the prayers of His followers…?

God does grant His followers’ prayer request, but in His time and according to His will and purpose.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
If they cried out to God and He answered their petition, then why is God not answering my prayer the way I want Him to?
Beloved have Faith, Hope & Believe in the LORD.
God will do marvelous things for those who trust in Him.
All experiences and circumstances are God’s workmen whereby good is brought to us.

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness, Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.

Psalm 37:3-5 (NKJV)

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”

Psalm 62:8 (NKJV)

"Have faith in God, “Jesus answered. I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea', and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him."

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand in praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Mark 11:22-25 (NIV)

God did answer Jabez Prayer; then why does He not answer mine? Well, Jabez prayed with sincere, honest and with faith for God’s mercy upon his life…
and God did grant his prayer.

God wants to bless every one who calls upon him. But, we must first make the choice of inviting Him into our life and ask for His blessings.

There was a man called Jabez and God answered his prayer.
The Prayer of Jabez comes from the Bible.

“Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.”

1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV)
Jabez asked that God keep him from harm so that he will be free from pain.
Jabez asked God to enlarge his territory, through faith and belief God did grant all Jabez petitions.

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Ephesians 5:8 (NKJV)
So how does God answer your prayer, when you are not working and you have bills to pay and mouths to feed?
As a witness and a living testimony, I have been there.
I was out of a job for over 5 years, every door seemed to be closed everywhere I turned.
I did have a problem believing God then. I stopped reading the bible and stopped praying.
I did believe that there was no God, because most of my friends who are unbelievers, had things going on well for them.
My wife never gave up on me. She prayed numerous times for me, advising me to believe in the Lord and reminding me that His time is the best and I should trust the Lord.
I finally gave in and started joining her in prayer and going to church with her. Within a few weeks the Good Lord started turning my life around, and turned me from nobody to somebody.

I believe we are God’s creatures and we should always praise His name.
We should always thank Him whether we are in good or bad situations
He knows what is always best for us.
We should thank Him every blessed day, especially for things that we take for granted, such as the air we breathe, our sight, the strength He has given us, His protection over us and over our enemies.

We should always have a desire to glorify our creator, Our Heavenly Father Almighty God, and everything else will be granted unto us.

Jesus assures us that our prayers will be answered:

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Matthew 7:7 (NIV)