The concept of receiving answers to prayer is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where obedience to God's commandments is often linked to the efficacy of prayer. The Bible presents a consistent theme that those who live in accordance with God's laws and commandments are more likely to have their prayers answered.

Biblical Foundation

1. 1 John 3:22 : "And we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight." This verse explicitly connects the keeping of God's commandments with the assurance of receiving what is asked in prayer. It underscores the importance of living a life that aligns with God's will as a prerequisite for answered prayer.

2. John 15:7 : "If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." Here, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of abiding in Him and His words, which implies obedience to His teachings. The promise of answered prayer is contingent upon this abiding relationship.

3. Proverbs 28:9 : "Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable." This proverb highlights the futility of prayer when one is not attentive to God's law. It serves as a warning that disregarding God's commandments can hinder one's prayers.

4. Psalm 66:18-19 : "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer." The psalmist acknowledges that harboring sin would have prevented God from hearing his prayer, but because he did not, God listened. This reflects the principle that purity and obedience are crucial for effective prayer.

Theological Implications

The relationship between obedience and answered prayer is not merely transactional but relational. It reflects a heart aligned with God's purposes and a life that seeks to honor Him. Obedience to God's commandments is an expression of love and devotion, as seen in John 14:15 : "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This love-driven obedience fosters a deeper communion with God, enhancing the believer's prayer life.

Practical Application

For believers seeking effective prayer lives, the call to obedience is clear. It involves a commitment to live according to God's revealed will, as found in Scripture. This includes not only adherence to specific commandments but also cultivating a lifestyle that reflects the character of Christ. As believers grow in their obedience, they can approach God with confidence, knowing that their prayers are heard and answered according to His perfect will.

Examples from Scripture

1. Daniel: In Daniel 6, Daniel's unwavering commitment to God's commandments, even in the face of persecution, resulted in God answering his prayers and delivering him from the lions' den.

2. Hezekiah: In 2 Kings 20, King Hezekiah's faithfulness to God and his earnest prayer led to God extending his life by fifteen years.

3. Cornelius: Acts 10 describes Cornelius as a devout man who feared God and prayed continually. His obedience and reverence led to a divine encounter and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon his household.

These examples illustrate that a life of obedience to God's commandments is a fertile ground for answered prayer, as it aligns the believer's heart with God's will and purposes.1 John 3:22
And whatever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Prayer and Obedience
... is renewed by the Holy Spirit, has received a new ... John gives the reason for answered
prayer in the passage ... set forth as the reason why He answers prayer, it is ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ix prayer and obedience.htm

Conditions of Effectual Prayer.
... try to embody answers to the letters I have received on this ... "The effectual fervent
prayer of a ... great mass of professing Christians do not get answers to their ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter vii conditions of effectual.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... man, one that feareth God." And Satan answers on this wise ... use of the Word of God
and prayer, that Christians ... is, a careful retention of what has been received. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

Struggles of Conscience
... A second method by which the Lord answers this prayer is ... and, believe me, I will
never pray that prayer again; for ... If you have not received it, I pray God the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/struggles of conscience.htm

The Prayer of Faith.
... He received the very thing for which he asked, as he says, "I knew thou always hearest
me.". ... Why, that God will grant answers to prayer when it is importunate ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture v the prayer of.htm

The Uses of the Law
... So, then, the law answers this purpose, to tell men ... What hast thou that thou hast
not received?' and, By ... They have been most sincere in prayer that I should be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the uses of the law.htm

George Muller, and the Secret of His
... is not yet given concerning the conversion of certain individuals, though in the
meantime I have received many thousands of answers to prayer. ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/george muller and the secret.htm

The Healing of the Man Born Blind.
... by what means he had recovered,' [4137] not received, sight; but ... more frequently
repeated by the Rabbis, [4165] than that answers to prayer depended on a ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the healing of.htm

Anti-Pelagian Writings
... Chapter 25 [XXIII.]--God Forsakes Only Those Who Deserve to Be ... for him to ask
forgiveness in prayer, when he ... 17.--Examination of the Sixth Charge and Answers. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/anti-pelagian writings/

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... were led to seek the Lord through answers to prayer ... the Lord" for certain things
which are received and practiced ... I open this little book,"the Prayer-Book, of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.org

What is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.org

What is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.org

Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus