An Epistemological Question - How Do We Know that God Answers Prayer?

I struggled now for many weeks thinking about this question. It was raised in response to my blog posting on December 28, 2008, “Understanding Prayer” (see: http://dennisposzywak.blogspot.com/2008/12/understanding-prayer.html). It took me a while to comment, not for lack of interest, but I found the task of understanding the context of the question daunting! I question whether or not I hit the mark; however, I certainly gave it my best shot answering the question using my own perspective within the context of how the question was asked.

I began by trying to understand the context of the question and turned to Wikipedia (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistemology) to formulate the content of this paragraph. Accordingly, I learned the definition of the term “epistemology” is the philosophical study of knowledge and belief. Two forms of knowledge are considered: propositional knowledge and procedural knowledge. In common language terms, propositional knowledge is considered “know-that” (someone knows that or believes something that is later to be found true) versus the procedural knowledge which is “know-how” (someone knows how to do something). While “know-how” is simply having knowledge of how something is done, “know-that” is more aligned with a belief or higher cognitive process involving wisdom that may or may not be later found to be true. Wikipedia distinguishes the two by pointing out we know that 2+2=4, but there is also the knowledge of how to add numbers. So if I understand correctly, the later is knowledge that can be taught, while with the former, this knowledge involves combining wisdom with a higher cognitive process. This knowledge is a subset of beliefs and truths. Beliefs are a product of the wisdom gained up to the very moment we profess a belief, while knowledge are those beliefs later proven to be accurate or validated through some form of justification. For example, if I believe the ice is safe, walk out onto the ice, and the ice does in fact support my weight (truth-a belief that was later to be found true), then the outcome is considered knowledge (i.e. the ice is safe). Others would say that I knew the ice was safe. On the other hand, if I fall through the ice, my belief was incorrect, or I simply didn’t know the ice was unsafe, my belief was incorrect. False-belief is not considered knowledge. (Note: My disclaimer is that this is my simple minds interpretation, which could be far from accurate!)

So, how do we know that God answers prayer?

Belief

As stated in “Understanding Prayer”, my earlier days of prayer often lacked the faith that God was really there and listening to me. In hindsight, prayer is something that I did often when I was in a jam, and then went about my life afterwards. Prayer was a feel-good moment, and prayer results were often far from my mind. Although I turned to God in prayer, my motivations were self-interest and I really didn’t have the sincere belief that He would answer my prayers. So, regardless of the outcome of my prayer session, at this former time in my life, I could not conclusively tell you that it was God answering my prayer, the outcome of my own efforts, or simply coincidence. Even as a young Christian, I did not understand the power of prayer or how to take my requests to God with an infinite belief that He would answer my prayers.

As stated earlier, moving through the thought process of preparing to write this response, I concluded that our beliefs are a product of the wisdom gained up to the point of the very moment we profess a belief. According to Wikipedia, wisdom includes knowledge, understanding, experience, and intuitive understanding. With the passing of time, through reading God’s Word, and seeking Biblical knowledge and understanding from other Christians, I soon came to realize that I did not understand what moves God to respond to those things I would take to him in prayer.

Since this discovery, the Christian wisdom I’ve gained is that by asking Jesus to come into our hearts unites us with God (John 3:16-21). This opens the door for God to work through us to advance His Will (Eph 2:8-10). Further, Jesus promises that if we have faith, believe, and do not doubt, we will receive anything that we ask for in prayer (Matthew 21:21-22). In other words, Jesus is saying to trust God and be in full submission to God’s Will and then in prayer your request will be granted by God. Anything that we request in prayer from God that is in accordance with His Will, we will receive.

At the time I wrote “Understanding Prayer”, a point that I failed to mention is that when we take something to God in prayer, it should be with a clean heart. “16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16). This is an important point that I missed. The first thing that we request in prayer should include confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness, so we can present our requests to God with a righteous heart. So, here’s my belief:

Belief: As a follower of Jesus Christ, I believe that I am united with God through His son Jesus Christ. God has a purpose for me in this life. It is not mistake that I am here on this earth and here now. This purpose is to advance His Will. If my interests are in line with God’s Will, and I take my requests to Him in prayer with a righteous heart, my prayers will be answered.

Truth

Truth is simply when a belief is later found to be true. I do not recall that any challenge to the Bible’s content was later proven untrue. Granted, there remains much content of the Bible being debated among Christians and non-Christians alike. However, as evidence emerges through archeology and true science, I am unaware of any instance in which what was found to be factual/conclusive, did not support what is in the Bible to be true. Given this, I have to accept as truth, not only the scriptural promises, but the many times God answered prayers as documented throughout the Bible, as truth.

Finally, I have learned that my own experience that my belief is really knowledge or know-that if followed, because many of my prayers have been answered over the years. I have seen the same results from others prayers raised up to God in a similar manner.

Summary (Application)

Believer:

Knowledge is a subset of belief and truth in epistemology; therefore, if as a follower of Jesus Christ…

1. I am united with God through His son Jesus Christ. 2. God has a purpose for me in this life. 3. It is not a mistake that I am here on this earth and at this time. 4. My purpose is to advance His Will. 5. I take my requests to Him in prayer with a righteous heart… my prayers will be answered. (belief)

If, what I requested from God in prayer comes to pass (truth). Then the knowledge is: I know that God answers prayers.

If God does NOT answer my prayer, because of the wisdom (i.e. Biblical knowledge, experience, etc.) that I now have, I know that what I requested in prayer was not aligned with God’s Will.

=================================================================

Non-Believer:

Knowledge is a subset of belief and truth in epistemology; therefore, if someone is NOT a follower of Jesus Christ… 1. I am not united with God through His son Jesus Christ. 2. God does not have a purpose for me in this life. 3. It is by chance that I am here on this earth and at this time. 4. My purpose is to fulfill self. 5. I take my requests to Him in prayer, my prayers won’t be answered. (belief)

If, what I requested from God in prayer comes to pass, then it is a false-belief; therefore, God or chance resulted in the answer to the prayer.

If, what I requested from God in prayer does NOT come to pass (truth), then God does not answer the prayers of those in which points 1-5 are unaligned.

Comments?

Understanding Prayer

“Prayer projects faith on God, and God on the world. Only God can move mountains, but faith and prayer move God.” —Complete Works of E. M. Bounds, The (from “The Necessity of Prayer”)

I must confess. For many years praying did feel one-way. It was like leaving a message on God’s answering machine and wondering, “Did He get the message? Why haven’t I heard from Him? I wonder if He accidentally deleted my message?” I didn’t always see immediate results from my prayers. Other times, when my prayers were answered, I can’t honestly say that I saw the results as coming from God. So, “Thank yous” were few and far between. Yes, there were times when I had even forgotten that I prayed for something and later thought “My hard work finally paid off!” Now, I found myself recently sharing that God does listen to prayers-not some of the time, but all of the time! If something is worrying you, I’ll be the first to tell you to give it up to God in prayer and then forget about it!

Most likely for those of you who pray earnestly and experience that God does in fact answer your prayers, you may be sitting there thinking (or speaking aloud), “Well, duh! God always listens to us and when we’re being stupid, steps in and takes care of business!” What follows isn’t necessarily for you and you may find it to be a real snoozer of a read. Although, I still could use your help. Should you decide to read on, I welcome you to correct me if you believe my thoughts are wrong. For the “non-duhers” that relate to my experience shared above, perhaps you will learn from my mistake and starting today join me in experiencing the peace of knowing that God listens and answers prayers. Not just sometimes, God listens all of the time and answers our prayers in accordance with His Will. Even when we don’t know what to request, or don’t even think to ask, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf and asks God for what we failed to request in prayer. So, we may not always get what we want, but God gives us what we need.

Ok, this is where the non-believers chime in with “Ah-ha!” and say answered prayers are coincidence and the unanswered ones are because God doesn’t exist. Arguing with me is unproductive for I’ve experienced God- answered prayers first hand and not just once, many times over. It doesn’t bother me that you think I’m crazy or misinformed. I don’t have numerous clinical studies that I can cite to support my opinion to convince you otherwise. Yes, to those of you who don’t walk with Jesus Christ, my God is in your opinion-“imaginary”, the Bible is simply nonsense, and many biblical traditions and stories carry over from earlier pagan religions. You on the other hand don’t have a “missing link” to show me! We therefore share something in common with each other which is that we both are people having great amounts of faith. I however have put my faith in God and His Word.

Whew, I feel much better having shared that at one time prayer was confusing and seemed one-way. Early on, I lacked the faith that God was really there and listening to me. I think that I figured out why some prayers are answered and some are not.

As Christians, our purpose in this life is to submit to God’s Will and serve Him. If we submit, God uses us to do His work which is to lead others back into fellowship with Him. Adam and Eve enjoyed God’s fellowship in the Garden of Eden until they sinned. Their sin unleashed a chain of events leading up to and including the present day. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ we are reminded that God always desired that each one of us find the peace and love experienced while in fellowship with Him. This is why He sent His son Jesus. If you dedicate your life to Jesus by earnestly admitting to being a sinner who is separated from God because of sin, it is through Jesus that you can begin a personal relationship with God. Asking Jesus to come into our heart unites us with God. God didn’t send Jesus to condemn the world; God sent Jesus to bring us into fellowship with Him. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." John 3:16-21 (NIV)

God’s gift to us is eternal fellowship with Him. The day we accept this gift, we become citizens of Heaven. Our purpose is then found in simply submitting to God’s Will and letting Him work through us. Once we are united with God through His son Jesus, we open the door for God to work through us. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Eph 2:8-10 (NIV) The work that God prepared in advance for us defines our purpose which is for others to come to know God through us who are Christians by witnessing or benefiting from God’s good works that He completes through us.

Matthew illustrates this when he gives an account of when Jesus and the disciples came upon a fig tree. Jesus saw that the tree was not bearing fruit and He cursed it (Matthew 21:20) causing the tree to wither. The disciples were amazed and questioned Jesus as to why the tree withered so quickly. How did Jesus respond to the disciples regarding the fig tree that withered? “Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:21-22 Jesus is telling the disciples to have faith in God. Don’t doubt that what you are asking of God will (won’t) come to pass. When Jesus said if you have “faith”, “do not doubt”, and “believe”, He was stating that prayer begins by having a strong fellowship with God and only then you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. In other words, Jesus is saying to trust God and be in full submission to God’s Will and then in prayer your request will be granted by God. What He is not saying is that if you ask to wither a fig tree or have a mountain throw itself into the sea, God’s going to do it simply as a result of the request. Only God can wither a fig tree and move a mountain into the sea, and He’s not going to do either if He’s asked unless it conforms to His Will. Unlike the fig tree which was fruitless, if we submit to God’s Will, our efforts will bear fruit and we’ll accomplish the tasks God’s entrusted to us. The key point is that if God is working through us believers to restore fellowship with mankind; when acting in complete submission to God’s Will, our actions are of God working through us and not of our own doing. Why? God reveals Himself to non-believers through Christians. Our motivation when we pray should not be self-interests, but God’s interests. In prayer, we must first begin with uninhibited submission to God (faith) and request of Him whatever is going to advance His Will. If our motivation is God’s Will when we ask Him to move the mountain into the sea, and moving that mountain into the sea is part of His plan, the mountain will be moved into the sea.

I even found myself not asking God for help when prayer made the most sense. Or while only thinking of myself, I’d often pray for something that I wanted from God or to have Him fix something that was worrying me. James described my experience when he said ^“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:1-3 (NIV) His point was that when we seek our own self-interest, we’re miserable because our focus is on ourselves instead of what God wants of us. As Christians, we have only one purpose in God’s eyes and that is to serve Him. When we submit to God’s Will, our fellowship with Him strengthens and we soon experience positive answers to our prayers. Once I learned that sending a wish list to God is not the purpose of prayer, God began answering my prayers as long as my motivation was seeking the advancement of God’s Will either through me or those who were the subjects of my prayers.

Now, often my purpose when praying is simply to thank God for all that He’s done for me, my family, or those that I know. When the topic is serious, I’ve learned to examine my heart to determine my motives before praying. When about to ask something from God, I try to first understand what God is doing or wants done in light of the circumstances in the situation I face before praying. I also make sure that my own personal interests are not the subject of my prayers. This approach has deepened my relationship with God and resulted in a greater sensitivity to how He responds to my prayer requests. The feeling of having a one-way conversation is gone and I continue to feel a stronger connection with God. Through prayer, God has come to have a greater presence in my life.

There are times that I’m confused, hurting, and don’t understand a situation. It is during these times that I’ve cried out for God to help me. Regardless of how prepared or unprepared we are to pray, we don’t always hit the mark because we are human and God’s work is complex. It is in these times that I’m glad to have the help of the Holy Spirit. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.” Romans 8:26-27 (NIV) The moment that we accept Jesus into our lives, the Holy Spirit becomes a part of us. He is our counselor and intercedes on our behalf when we don’t know what to ask of God. God knows what’s in the mind of the Spirit who is always monitoring what’s in our heart. This is why we may not get what we asked for in prayer because in the end, our request may be wrong for us, yet God gives us what we need in accordance with His Will. So, in those times when I don’t see my requests come to pass, I have comfort in knowing that there is more to the picture than what was revealed to me. You should as well. God answers all prayers when we approach Him with the right motivation.

This brings me back to where I started and that is what I said when I compared myself to a non-believer by saying that faith is what we both had in common. My faith is in a living God who loves us all enough to send Jesus Christ into this world for the purpose of restoring our fellowship with God. This is the ultimate Christmas gift. Once we accept this gift, our relationship with God deepens through prayer. His presence is further realized as we learn how to talk with God and see how He answers our prayers. You too can experience how God responds to prayer and take your personal relationship with God to a new level if you train yourself to seek out His Will first with everything in your life. Just like with any relationship, the more that you communicate with someone, the greater the understanding you’ll have of how they view you and the more comfortable with them you’ll feel. Earnestly seek God’s Will and not your own in your prayers, and God will answer and further reveal His purpose for you.

Peace,

Dennis J. Poszywak

December 28, 2008