Daily devotion- Keys to answered prayer

If your prayers are not being answered, ask yourself:

1) How is my relationship with the Lord?
'If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear' - Psalm 66:18. Aything that adversely affects your relationship with God also affects your prayers.
Friendship gives you favour; intimacy gives you access.
Jesus said, 'If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.' - John 15:7

2.) How strong is my faith?
'Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.' - Hebrews 11:6

There're 3 key words there:
(a) 'Believe.' - God's deepest longing is to be believed, regardless of emotion or circumstance.
(b) ' Diligently.' - When you pray, put your heart and soul into it. Paul speaks of 'labouring...in prayer.' - Colossians 4:12
(c) 'Him .' God is not some 'force out there', He's your heavenly Father Who '...knows that you need all
these things.' - Matthew 6:32. Your highest priority should not be getting your needs met, but building your relationship with God.

(3) Am I showing patience?
'Until God's time finally came - how God tested his patience!' - Psalm 105:19. Joseph was tested by
the very promise God gave him. Can't you hear Satan whisper, 'I thought the dream said you were supposed to be Prime Minister; what are you doing in prison?' But it only looks like a prison; in reality, it's the birthplace of destiny. Joseph saw God's promise fulfilled - in God's time. And you will too!
 
                                                                                                                                                      - TWFT