We all know people who seem to have a hotline to God. Every prayer they pray seems to get answered. Still, many of us are left wondering if God even hears us when we pray. How about you? Do you pray? Does God answer you when you do?

Most people pray – at the very least, a cry of “HELP!” now and then – but many feel their prayers are ineffective. They ask God for health, and sickness comes; they ask for help with their finances, and a financial crisis arises; they pray for the healing of a family member, and the condition appears to get worse. If God wants to communicate with us and help us, why do so many people struggle with receiving answers to prayer?

Good communication is always important, especially in your relationship with the Lord. Simply put, prayer is a conversation between you and God. He speaks to you through His Word and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. You communicate by talking to Him just as you would talk with any close friend.

God’s Word is the number one way that He communicates with us – prayer alone will not allow you to understand His will. As we fill our minds with scripture daily, the Holy Spirit is able to work to renew our minds and cleanse it of the lies of the world. Romans 12:2 says, And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. God wants to reveal His thoughts and will to us, but we have to seek Him out. Open up God’s Word today, and allow Him to speak to you!