Let’s look at Mark 11:23-24, which says, “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”

These very familiar verses have to do with praying in faith, or praying to get results. Here are three steps to take if you want to have your prayers answered:

1. Go to The WORD When You Need to Get Your Prayer Answered

Find out what The WORD says about the problem, and then pray according to that WORD.  First John 5:14-15, KJV, says that when we ask anything according to His will, we know He hears us and we know we have the petitions we desired of Him. When you pray according to God’s WORD, which is His will, then you know that your prayer is answered.

2. Use Jesus’ Name When You Need to Get Your Prayer Answered

Jesus said, “At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name” (John 16:23). When you use the Name of Jesus in prayer, you get the ear of God. Peter wrote that the eyes of God are over the righteous and His ears are open to their prayers. You don’t have to pray until you get God’s attention. He is listening for your prayer. You have His attention all the time.

3. Include Praise and Thanksgiving When You Need to Get Your Prayer Answered

Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Thanksgiving and praise is an integral part of the prayer. When you believe that God will answer your prayer, then you begin to praise Him for the answer. You thank God that it is done for you.

When you are faced with a problem—a problem that requires an answer from your heavenly Father—put these steps into practice during your prayer time. Know what The WORD says about your situation, pray in the Name of Jesus, and worship The LORD for what He has done and will do. By believing God in that situation, and acting on The WORD, you are applying faith to it. And in time, your answer will come!