I hear "prayer changes things" and I see on facebook people asking for mass prayers for their families or situations. But if the situation doesn't work out the way you wanted to, does that mean the prayers didn't work? Or if the situation was meant to be then why ask for the prayers in the first place, and what does that say about prayers in general?
I've wondered this myself. If someone's living right and they're obedient, why wouldn't God respond favorably to their request? Doesn't make sense. The only answer I can come up with is this: There is a way to pray so that you know God hears you and has already answered your prayers. Intercessory Prayer can only work if it's in line with God's plans and his law. No is NEVER an option when it comes to getting your prayers answered by God; otherwise, what's the point of even praying? Doesn't make sense to pray and you don't get a favorable response. The only prayers that don't get answered are ones wishing harm on others (of course God wouldn't answer your prayers wishing harm on another). For example, you can't deliberately sin and expect God to answer your prayer. Naw chile it doesn't work like that. Sinful living short circuits answered prayer. It's not enough just to do the right things in the right order but you also have to make sure you're living right. Even if you foul up one time, that could have an effect.
One other thing, people need to see proof of God's healing power. If you've struggled with an illness or disability for years and you know it's God's will for you to be healed, you shouldn't have to wait until you get to heaven to be made whole. You get healed in this lifetime so people can see proof of God's healing power. Otherwise, it's futile to pray for a miracle or healing only to struggle with it for life, THEN you're made whole in heaven. By that logic, people have reason to doubt whether God heals (I don't doubt God's power, btw) because they didn't see real-time evidence.
