Introduction
As Catholic Christians, we believe that prayer is more than just asking for things; it is an intimate dialogue with God, an opportunity to align our will with His, and a way to grow in spiritual life. However, it is common for many to wonder why some prayers seem to be answered more quickly than others. While we don’t hold a magic formula to make God act according to our whims, there are best practices, rooted in Scripture and the teachings of the Church, which can aid in making our prayers more efficacious.
1. Pray with Faith
“Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). The words of Jesus Christ make it clear: faith is crucial. We are encouraged to believe in the divine power that can do all things, even those that seem impossible to us.
2. Be Persistent
Remember the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8? Jesus told this story to show us that we should “always pray and not give up.” Being persistent doesn’t mean nagging God but showing our commitment and trust in His timing and wisdom.
3. Pray with a Humble Heart
The Catechism reminds us, “Humility is the foundation of prayer” (CCC 2559). God doesn’t owe us anything; yet, He is generous beyond measure. Approaching God with humility means recognizing both our littleness and His greatness.
4. Be Clear and Specific
While God knows what we need even before we ask, specificity in prayer makes a difference. Being specific can help us focus our prayers and make our communication with God more intentional.
5. Align Your Will with God’s Will
Jesus Himself prayed, “Not my will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). When we align our will with God’s, our prayers become more about the expansion of His Kingdom rather than a mere laundry list of personal wants.
6. Make Your Requests Known, But Surrender the Outcome
St. Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). We are encouraged to present our requests to God but also to surrender the outcome to His divine wisdom.
7. Remember to Listen
Prayer isn’t just about talking; it’s also about listening. Take time to meditate and hear what God may be revealing to you through the quiet whispers of your heart, guided by the Holy Spirit.
8. Seek the Intercession of Saints
The Church encourages us to ask for the intercession of the Saints, who are our elder brothers and sisters in faith. The Catechism states, “Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness” (CCC 956).
9. The Importance of Fasting
Jesus mentioned that some demons could only be expelled through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21, though this verse is absent in some manuscripts). Fasting, when done in the right spirit, can deepen our prayer life and make it more effective.
10. Gratitude: The Heart of Prayer
The Catechism tells us that “thanksgiving characterizes the prayer of the Church which, in celebrating the Eucharist, reveals and becomes more fully what she is” (CCC 2637). Gratitude opens our hearts to recognize the many gifts that God has already given us, making us more receptive to future blessings.
Conclusion
Getting our prayers answered quickly isn’t about manipulating God but about growing in a deeper relationship with Him. These tips aren’t a guarantee for a “fast-tracked” answer, but they are grounded in the rich tradition and teachings of the Church. Remember, God answers all prayers; sometimes the answer is “yes,” sometimes “no,” and at other times, “wait.” No matter the answer, God’s will is always perfect, and His timing is always right.