1. God Always Answers Prayer

2. Though He does not always answer in the way we expect.

3. 3 Four Ways God Answers Prayer 1.There May Be A Denial. TThere may be times when God will deny us our petitions.

4. 4 Four Ways God Answers Prayer 1.There May Be A Denial. TThere may be times when God will deny us our petitions; He says "No." TThere are at least seven reasons why this might happen.

5. 5 Seven Reasons for Denied Petitions 1.Something could be hindering our prayers.

6. 6 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

7. 7 Seven Reasons for Denied Petitions 1.Something could be hindering our prayers. 2.He does not want us to become proud.

8. 8 2 Corinthians 12:7,8 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.

9. 9 Seven Reasons for Denied Petitions 1.Something could be hindering our prayers. 2.He does not want us to become proud. 3.Our prayers are too self-centered.

10. 10 James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

11. 11 Seven Reasons for Denied Petitions 1.Something could be hindering our prayers. 2.He does not want us to become proud. 3.Our prayers are too self-centered. 4.We are inconsiderate of others in our prayers.

12. 12 Philippians 1:21-23 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

13. 13 Philippians 1:24-26 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

14. 14 Seven Reasons for Denied Petitions 5.He wants to build our character through deprivation.

15. 15 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

16. 16 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

17. 17 Seven Reasons for Denied Petitions 5.He wants to build our character through deprivation. 6.Granting the petition would demand an intervention into the natural order of things (In other words, a miracle).

18. 18 Hebrews 9:27,28 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

19. 19 Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

20. 20 Seven Reasons for Denied Petitions 5.He wants to build our character through deprivation. 6.Granting the petition would demand an intervention into the natural order of things (In other words, a miracle). 7.We have a deeper need that would not be met other than through deprivation.

21. 21 Daniel 3:17,18 "If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."

22. 22 Four Ways God Answers Prayer 1.There May Be A Denial. 2.There May Be A Direct Granting.

23. 23 Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

24. 24 Matthew 7:9-11 "Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"

25. 25 Four Ways God Answers Prayer 1.There May Be A Denial. 2.There May Be A Direct Granting. 3.There May Be A Delayed Granting.

26. 26 Luke 18:1-3 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.'

27. 27 Luke 18:4,5 "And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.'"

28. 28 Luke 18:6,7 Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?"

29. 29 Four Ways God Answers Prayer 1.There May Be A Denial. 2.There May Be A Direct Granting. 3.There May Be A Delayed Granting. 4.There May Be A Different Granting.

30. 30 Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

31. 31 Different Granting It is said that the following was found in the pocket of a Confederate soldier after a battle during our Civil War. 1.He was a Christian and he prayed. 2.He asked for strength that he might do greater things, but he was given infirmity that he might do better things.

32. 32 Different Granting It is said that the following was found in the pocket of a Confederate soldier after a battle during our Civil War. 3.He asked for riches that he might be happy; but he was given poverty that he might be wise. 4.He asked for power that he might have the praise of men; he was given weakness that he might feel the need of God.

33. 33 Different Granting It is said that the following was found in the pocket of a Confederate soldier after a battle during our Civil War. 5.He asked for all things that he might enjoy life; he was given life that he might have all things. 6.He had received nothing that he asked for; all that he hoped for. 7.His prayer is answered; he is most blessed.

34. He doesn’t always give us what we want but He always gives us what we need.