Have you ever prayed earnestly for something—a breakthrough, healing, peace, or direction—and felt like heaven was silent? You’re not alone. Almost every believer has faced a season where prayers seem unanswered, and it can be frustrating or even faith-shaking. But here’s the truth: God always hears us, even when it feels like He’s quiet. The key lies in understanding how to approach Him, what faith truly means, and how to align our hearts with His will.
If you’ve ever wondered, “What should I do for God to answer my prayer?” this article is for you. Let’s explore practical, spiritual, and heartfelt ways to position yourself for answered prayers—not through empty rituals, but through real relationship and faith.
1. Understand That God Hears Every Prayer
First, let’s settle this: God always hears your prayers.
The Bible says in 1 John 5:14-15 (NIV),
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
Even when it feels like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, God is listening. He might not answer immediately or in the way you expect, but He always responds—sometimes with “yes,” sometimes with “no,” and sometimes with “wait.”
So the first step isn’t about trying to “get” God to hear you—it’s about believing that He already does.
2. Strengthen Your Faith
Faith is the foundation of answered prayer. You can’t expect results from a prayer if deep down, you doubt God’s power or willingness to act.
Jesus said in Matthew 21:22,
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Faith is more than just hoping something happens. It’s about trusting God even when you can’t see the outcome. It’s believing that He’s good, that He’s able, and that He knows what’s best for you.
So, when you pray, don’t just recite words—speak with conviction. Say it like you believe it. Remind yourself that the same God who parted the Red Sea, healed the blind, and raised the dead is still at work today.
3. Pray According to God’s Will
One of the most common reasons prayers seem unanswered is that we sometimes ask for things outside of God’s will.
You see, God isn’t a genie who grants wishes. He’s a loving Father who knows what’s best for us. Sometimes, what we want right now could hurt us in the long run, and because He loves us, He says “no.”
In James 4:3 (NIV), the Bible says:
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
So instead of just asking, “God, give me this,” start praying, “Lord, let Your will be done in my life.” That’s the kind of prayer God delights to answer—one that aligns with His plan.
4. Confess and Repent of Sin
Let’s be honest—sin blocks our communication with God. You can’t expect your prayers to flow freely if you’re knowingly living in disobedience.
Isaiah 59:2 says,
“Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you so that he will not hear.”
This doesn’t mean God stops loving you. It means He’s waiting for you to come clean.
So before you ask God for anything, take time to say, “Lord, forgive me for my wrongs.” Confess honestly, turn away from sin, and let Him cleanse your heart.
When your heart is pure and your conscience is clear, your prayers become powerful.
5. Pray with a Sincere and Humble Heart
God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). When you approach God in prayer, do it with humility, sincerity, and reverence.
You don’t have to use fancy words or sound religious. Just talk to Him honestly, like a child speaking to a father. Tell Him what’s in your heart—your fears, your needs, and your gratitude.
Jesus taught in Matthew 6:7-8,
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”
It’s not about how long or eloquent your prayer is—it’s about the genuineness behind it. God responds to honest hearts, not empty speeches.
6. Develop a Lifestyle of Prayer
Prayer isn’t just something you do when you’re in trouble. It should be a daily habit—a way of life.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 says,
“Pray without ceasing.”
That doesn’t mean you should be on your knees 24/7, but it does mean staying connected to God throughout your day—thanking Him, asking for wisdom, and inviting Him into every decision.
The more you communicate with God regularly, the more your spiritual sensitivity grows. You begin to recognize His voice, understand His timing, and receive answers more clearly.
7. Be Persistent—Don’t Give Up Too Soon
Sometimes, God’s silence isn’t rejection—it’s a test of perseverance.
In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus told a parable about a persistent widow who kept pleading with a judge until he granted her request. He used that story to teach us the importance of not giving up in prayer.
Maybe your answer is delayed because God is building your patience, strengthening your faith, or arranging circumstances behind the scenes.
Keep praying. Keep believing. Even when it’s hard, persistence shows God that you trust Him completely.
8. Mix Your Prayers with Thanksgiving
A thankful heart attracts the presence of God.
In Philippians 4:6, the Bible says:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Don’t only pray when you need something. Thank God for what He has already done. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s already in place—and that mindset opens the door for more blessings.
When you say, “Lord, thank You even though I haven’t seen the answer yet,” you’re showing faith that He’s already working.
9. Forgive Others Before You Pray
Unforgiveness can silently hinder your prayers.
Jesus said in Mark 11:25:
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
If you’re holding grudges or bitterness in your heart, it creates spiritual blockage. Forgiveness isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary.
Letting go of resentment clears your heart and allows God’s blessings to flow freely. Remember—forgiving someone doesn’t mean you approve of what they did; it means you’re freeing yourself from the weight of it.
10. Live in Obedience to God’s Word
If you want God to answer your prayers, live in a way that pleases Him.
In John 15:7, Jesus said:
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
Obedience positions you for favor. When your actions reflect God’s Word, your prayers carry authority.
This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect, but it does mean striving daily to walk in integrity, kindness, and love.
11. Combine Prayer with Fasting
Sometimes, prayer alone isn’t enough. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 17:21 (KJV):
“This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Fasting helps you disconnect from worldly distractions and focus your spirit on God. It humbles your flesh, sharpens your faith, and amplifies your prayers.
If you’ve been praying for something big—maybe a major breakthrough or healing—consider pairing your prayers with fasting. It’s a powerful spiritual discipline that gets heaven’s attention.
12. Surround Yourself with the Right People
Your prayer life can also be influenced by the people around you. If you’re constantly surrounded by negativity, doubt, or sin, it can weaken your faith.
Instead, spend time with believers who encourage your faith and pray with you.
Matthew 18:19-20 says,
“If two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”
There’s power in praying together. Sometimes, you need people who can stand in faith with you when you feel weak.
13. Keep Your Heart Full of Love
Love is the heartbeat of true prayer. God is love, and when you pray with love—for others, for your enemies, for your world—your prayers align with His very nature.
In 1 Corinthians 13:2, the Bible says that even if we have great faith but lack love, we are nothing.
So, when you pray, pray with compassion. Pray with empathy. Pray because you care, not just because you want something.
Love-filled prayers are powerful because they reflect the heart of God Himself.
14. Trust God’s Timing
One of the hardest lessons in prayer is waiting on God’s timing.
You might want an answer now, but God knows exactly when to deliver it. His timing is always perfect—never too early, never too late.
In Ecclesiastes 3:11, it says,
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
When you trust His timing, you’re saying, “Lord, I know You’re working, even if I can’t see it yet.” That kind of trust invites His peace while you wait.
15. Never Stop Believing
Even when you’ve done everything right—prayed, fasted, obeyed, and waited—keep your faith alive.
Hebrews 11:6 reminds us,
“Without faith, it is impossible to please God.”
Faith isn’t about seeing results first; it’s about believing that the results are already in motion.
Keep trusting. Keep praying. Keep believing that God’s promises never fail.
Conclusion
So, what should you do for God to answer your prayer?
- Believe He hears you.
- Align your requests with His will.
- Confess your sins and forgive others.
- Pray sincerely, with faith and humility.
- Stay persistent, thankful, and obedient.
- Trust His timing and never stop believing.
Remember, God’s silence is not His absence. He’s listening. He’s working. And in the right time and way, He will answer—not always how you expect, but always for your good.
So don’t give up. Keep talking to Him, keep trusting, and keep your heart open. Because the truth is, when faith meets obedience, heaven always responds.