Prayer is an important part of how we relate to God. Many have asked questions such as does God hear all prayers, do some people get special access to Him, and is there a prayer technique that will get us what we want? God’s word provides answers to these questions and gives us guidance as we struggle with more personal questions such as “why didn’t God answer my prayer” and “why should I pray at all.”

We should know three things before we pray. First, God cares for each one of us and because of His unfailing love for us, we can bring anything and everything in our hearts to Him in prayer. Prayer is a safe place of trust. (Cast all your care upon him; for he cares for you; and . . . I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. 1 Peter 5:7 and Psalm 52:8). Second, know that God hears our prayers. Because we are His beloved children, no prayer is too small for Him to hear. (He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer; . . . he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee; and For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers . . . Psalm 102:17, Isaiah 30:19 and 1 Peter 3:12). The third thing to know about prayer is that as believers, we can pray with confidence and we can equally approach God because of our unique standing with His son Jesus. (In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him; and Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Ephesians 3:12 and Hebrews 4:16).