The Answered Prayer sermon by Apostle Joshua Selman, delivered on Day 13 of the Hallelujah Challenge in February 2024, deeply explored the topic of prayer, focusing on the certainty and assurance that God answers the prayers of His people. Apostle Selman highlighted that prayer is not a mere religious ritual, but a powerful communication channel through which believers align themselves with God’s will and activate His promises.
The Nature of Prayer
Apostle Selman began by emphasizing that prayer is not just about presenting requests to God; it is a divine interaction that shapes the believer’s relationship with God. He explained that through prayer, believers express their dependence on God and their faith in His ability to intervene in their lives. Prayer, therefore, is not just a transactional activity but a tool for cultivating intimacy with God. According to Apostle Selman, prayer transforms the believer’s heart, mind, and spirit, making them more attuned to God’s desires.
Understanding God’s Timing
One of the key points Apostle Selman made was about understanding God’s timing in answering prayer. He acknowledged that many believers struggle when their prayers seem to go unanswered or delayed. However, he encouraged the audience to trust in God’s timing. He reminded them that God’s understanding of time far exceeds that of humanity. While humans often seek instant results, God’s perspective is eternal, and He knows the perfect time to bring about His answers. Apostle Selman used biblical examples, such as the story of Abraham and Sarah, to demonstrate that God’s promises are never late, even though they may seem delayed from a human perspective.
The Role of Faith in Prayer
Faith was another central theme in the message. Apostle Selman emphasized that faith is the currency of prayer. Without faith, he explained, prayer becomes ineffective. He referenced James 1:6, which warns believers to ask in faith, without doubting. According to Apostle Selman, when doubt creeps in, it can hinder the manifestation of answers to prayer. He stressed that faith involves believing in God’s ability to respond to prayer, even when circumstances may suggest otherwise. This unwavering faith is what activates the power of prayer.
God Answers Prayers in Three Ways
Apostle Selman also addressed a crucial aspect of answered prayers: the ways in which God answers. He explained that God answers prayers in three primary ways:
- Yes: God answers affirmatively when the request aligns with His will. These are the prayers that believers are eager to hear, as they manifest immediate results.
- Wait: Sometimes, God answers with a “wait” because the timing is not right. Apostle Selman highlighted that waiting is often a test of faith and patience. Believers must trust that God’s delay is not a denial but a preparation for something greater.
- No: At times, God’s answer is a “no,” which is often the hardest to accept. Apostle Selman explained that God, in His wisdom, sometimes denies requests that, while appearing good, may not be beneficial for the believer in the long run. He encouraged believers to trust that God’s rejection is for their ultimate good.
Persistent Prayer and the Power of Thanksgiving
In his teaching, Apostle Selman urged believers to adopt a posture of persistence in prayer. He referenced Luke 18:1-8, the parable of the persistent widow, to illustrate how continuous prayer can lead to breakthrough. He explained that persistent prayer shows a heart that refuses to give up, even in the face of opposition or delay. However, alongside persistence, Apostle Selman stressed the importance of thanksgiving. He urged the believers to thank God even before they see the answers to their prayers. This act of faith reflects the believer’s trust in God’s ability to respond, regardless of the visible circumstances.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Answered Prayers
Apostle Selman also touched on the significant role of the Holy Spirit in the process of prayer. He explained that the Holy Spirit not only helps believers pray but also intercedes on their behalf. According to Romans 8:26-27, the Holy Spirit assists believers in praying according to God’s will, even when they don’t know what to pray for. Apostle Selman encouraged the believers to invite the Holy Spirit into their prayer lives, as He is an essential guide in understanding God’s will and unlocking the full potential of prayer.
Living in Expectation
Finally, Apostle Selman closed the session by urging believers to live in constant expectation of their prayers being answered. He emphasized that a key aspect of answered prayer is the attitude of the heart. When believers expect God to answer, they position themselves to receive what God has in store. Living with an expectant heart activates faith and prepares the believer to recognize God’s responses, even in subtle forms. Apostle Selman encouraged the audience to cultivate an attitude of joy and gratitude, as this fosters a spirit of readiness to receive from God.
Conclusion
The Answered Prayer teaching by Apostle Joshua Selman was an enriching reminder of the power of prayer, the importance of trusting God’s timing, and the necessity of maintaining faith in the midst of delays. He illuminated the various ways in which God answers prayer and encouraged believers to remain persistent, thankful, and expectant. With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, persistent prayer, and a heart of faith, believers can experience the manifestation of God’s answers in their lives.
