86
A response to prayer is anticipated when we present our petitions to the Lord, else why would we pray. It is necessary that we reserve the right of the Lord to say no, as well as yes. Usually if the answer is in the negative the feeling is that He, for some reason did not answer. Before we jump to the conclusion that He did not answer, therefore did not listen, there are certain principles of prayer that must be considered. These are natural to the New Man. They are a positive part of his spiritual man.
Faith is vital to prayer. Without faith it is impossible to please the Lord.
In order to really approach Him it is necessary to recognize the fact that He exists, and is very much alive. Also He especially rewards those who are diligent in seeking Him. He cannot be neglected and ignored for long periods of time and then in an emergency, used as a fire escape.
He is not duty bound to immediately react to the appeal of one who has ignored Him for extensive periods of time. Heb. 11:6.
While faith is most vital, what we are seeking now is, that which motivates faith and therefore produces the response to prayer that we desire. We have already seen that the New Man is a person who loves the Lord and their fellow man, both, the unsaved, and those of the household of faith. Love is an absolute essential and is the spiritual factor which becomes that which inspires faith. Where there is no love, faith will not go into action. Love is the catalyst necessary for faith to create an answer. Gal. 5:8.
Perhaps the greatest hindrance to faith is a lack of love or more readily its opposite, that is everything from dislike to hatred. Wrong attitudes toward others definitely work havoc in the spiritual being. Strong language is used by the Apostle John. He called the individual who said that they loved the Lord but hated their brother a liar. For how can one love the unseen Lord and hate the ones whom they can see. The New Man now has agape love and loves as the Lord Himself loves. Loving even those who persecute and do them great harm. John then paraphrased the commandment by stating that, he who loves the Lord will also love his brother. 1 John 4:18 These are life changing elements when put into practice will bring tremendous results.