Does God answer the prayers of non-christians? I know it says in the Bible that if you are not baptized, Jesus does not know you. So does He listen to everybody's prayers and then just answer those of His people? What about christians that have fallen away from the church?

Sincerely, Asking To Be Heard

Dear Asking To Be Heard,

God recognizes the prayers of the faithful only. There is no doubt that God hears the prayers of christians (Jas 5:16). God hears the prayers of the righteous, but He is far from the wicked (Pr 15:29). God is constantly listening to hear the prayers of christians, but He sets His face against those who do evil. God says that even a christian who isn’t treating others well (specifically their spouse) will have their prayers hindered (1 Pet 3:7).

God does not answer the prayers of those who are ungodly. When Israel turned away from God, He stopped answering their prayers (Micah 3:4). When Judah became wicked and followed false teachings, He stopped hearing their prayers and accepting their worship (Isa 1:13-15). The same would hold true for those who fall away today. God will stop listening to and answering their prayers. It isn’t that He doesn’t hear them - He simply ignores their requests. Those outside of Christ are promised that if they seek God, they will find Him (Lk 11:9). All of mankind has the ability to ask for truth and find it, but only christians can ask God as a child asks a father (Mat 7:11). The ability to seek God’s help through prayer is a blessing given only to those who serve God (Jhn 9:31).

James 1:6 says that we must ask in faith without any doubting.  I can't help but doubt when I try to ask God for something.  How can I stop the doubt?

Sincerely, Doubting Myself

Dear Doubting Myself,

Practice makes perfect. Your problem is the same as the man who begged Christ by saying, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mk 9:24). You have enough faith to ask God for help- but are feeling inadequate in the level of your faith. This is normal. There is no quick answer for increasing your faith; it only comes through time and struggle.

Faith is hearing what God says and then acting loyally upon those words (Rom 10:17). We increase that faith through learning God’s will (Acts 16:4-5) and then daily working for God (Jas 2:17). As we suffer for the Gospel, we grow as well (Rom 5:3-4). Continue to pray – the best prayers in the Bible come from those who are in the habit of praying (Dan 6:10). Time matures everything, even our faithful prayers. As you see your prayers answered, you will find yourself doubting less and trusting more.

My girlfriend is a fairly new christian. She is wonderful!!! How can I encourage her to pray more often and think more on godly things without pressuring her and pushing her away? It seems that I am always the one who is bringing those things up, and I don't want to force things on her.

Sincerely, Forcefully Concerned

Dear Forcefully Concerned,

Gentle patience is the key to helping her grow. Paul told the young Thessalonian church that he was as patient and gentle as a mother (1 Thess 2:7-8). Don’t expect her to know everything right away- nor to remember everything the first time she learns it. Christianity is a huge change in someone’s life, and everyone grows in different areas and at different paces. Kindness and brotherly love will work wonders in helping her grow (Rom 12:10). Make sure you remain a humble servant and not a condescending overlord (1 Pet 5:5)

After you have mentally prepared, make some consistent opportunities to talk about spiritual things. The church is told that consistency is a large part of what makes healthy christians (Heb. 10:24-25). Regular involvement in praying together, going to services together, etc. provides opportunity for dialogue. She needs to be taking Bible classes (so do you!), and committing to take some classes together will help her grow without placing undo pressure on her. Christian growth isn’t about speed… but endurance. Babies grow slowly and steadily; if they grew fast, it would be unhealthy! Talk to her about taking some useful ‘beginner’ Bible classes together, and she will start to grow from the milk of the Word (1 Pet 2:2).

I'm not very good at praying; what's a good way to start?

Sincerely, One Step At A Time

Dear One Step At A Time,

You start by creating the most fertile soil for success. All prayer needs two key elements. Without these two things, it is impossible to pray.

1. Time
2. Something to say

Both of these elements are equally important. If you have time but nothing to say – you won’t pray. If you have concerns, thanks, or praise but no time set aside to say them – you won’t pray. Neither element can be neglected.

Daniel made it a point to pray regularly (Dan 6:10). Christ set aside time to go away from the multitudes and pray (Matt 14:23). In our busy world, we have to schedule the things that are important to us. If prayer is a priority (as it should be), we need to set aside time to do it. Find two or three times a day that you can set aside short time-blocks (as little as two or three minutes) to focus on prayer. Make sure it is time when you won’t be distracted or disturbed.

Now that you have the time, find a topic. There are many ways to do this. Make a list of others who need prayers (1 John 5:16, Phm 1:22), personal flaws that you are seeking to correct (Acts 8:22), and blessings for which you are thankful (Php 4:6). Taking the time to jot these things down can go a long way to preparing your mind to address your Maker.

Do angels intercede to word our prayers in the right language, or do we need to learn how to pray in accordance to God's will?

 

Sincerely,
Lost in Translation

We need to learn how to pray in accordance with God's will, BUT there is one exception to this (I'll get to that last).  Jesus' disciples asked him to teach them how to pray (Lk 11:1).  Jesus didn't correct them.  Instead, He taught them (Lk 11:2-4).  There is definitely a right way and a wrong way to pray.

However, God does intercede for us in our prayers.  Specifically, the Holy spirit intercedes for us (Rom 8:26).  There are times when we don't know what to ask for, how to ask for it, or even whether we should ask for it!  Sometimes we are in such suffering and agony that words can't express the struggles and agony we are in.  In such cases, God says that our lack of eloquence won't hinder our prayers.  The Holy Spirit who can examine our hearts makes sure the Father is aware of our deepest yearnings and concerns.  Angels never translate our prayers, but God's own Spirit cares enough to listen and help.