Obedience is Planted Firmly in His Word (5.24.13)

We have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him - 1 John 3:21-22

Obedience is fundamental to effective prayer. Realistically speaking, only people who obey GOD have the right to go into his presence with requests but our gracious and loving Father will turn none away. GOD delights in the prayers of his obedient children. When we want what GOD wants, and live the way that pleases Him, then the Holy Spirit will place in our heart the things we should pray for according to GOD's will for our life. GOD will answer these prayers in his own time not ours. If GOD were to answer the prayers of the disobedient, He would be aiding and abetting the things which He does not approve of. 

That would be out of character for GOD and because He is holy this will not happen. To put it in other words, if we expect GOD to do for us what we ask, we should be prepared to do for GOD what he asks. If we listen and obey His words and commands, GOD will listen to our prayers.

Gracious GOD, 
I give You praise for Your generous, giving nature. 
Forgive me of my failure to keep Your commands 
and to do what pleases You. 
Help me when I pray so that my prayers will be in perfect alignment 
with Your will for the glory of Your kingdom.

Praise GOD as the Rock, your stronghold and fortress (Psalms 144:1-2).

Thank him for being a solid foundation on which to stand spiritually, so that nothing can shake you (Matthew 7:24-25).

Confess those times in your life when you have stepped off the rock's solid foundation of GOD’s Word and relied upon your own understanding. Commit yourself to building your life on Christ’s teachings. 

Ask GOD to help you plant your feet firmly in his Word each day.