Of the Circumstances of Prayer

Until now we have spoken of the making of prayer to God; a word or two of God's hearing our prayers.

Question: How many ways does God hear men's prayers? Answer: Two ways. The first in his mercy, when he grants the requests of such as call upon him in the fear of his name. Secondly, he hears men's prayers in his wrath. Thus he gave the Israelites Quails according to their desire (Psalm 78:29-31). Thus often men curse themselves, and wish that they were hanged or dead: and accordingly they have their wish.

Question 2: Why does God defer to hear the prayers of his servants? Answer: First, to prove them by delay. Secondly, to exercise their faith. Thirdly, to make them acknowledge that the things which they receive are God's gifts, and not from themselves. Fourthly, that graces quickly given might not be lightly esteemed. Fifthly, that a hungering after grace might be sharpened and increased.

Question 3: After what manner does God hear his servants' prayers? Answer: Two ways. First, by granting the thing which was asked according to his will. Secondly, by denying the thing desired, and by giving something proportional to it. Thus God denies temporary blessings, and in the place thereof gives eternal in heaven. Thus he refuses to remove the cross from his servants, and gives in stead thereof strength and patience. Christ prayed that the cup might be removed. It was not removed, yet he in his manhood was enabled to bear the wrath of God. When Paul prayed three times that the prick in the flesh might be removed, it was answered, My strength is sufficient for you.

Question 4: Why does not God always hear men's prayers? Answer: There are many causes of this. The first, because oftentimes we know not to ask as we ought (Matthew 20:22). The second, because we ask amiss (James 4:3). The third, because sometimes the things which we ask, though they be good in themselves, yet they are not good for us, and for that cause are withheld (2 Corinthians 12:7). The last, because God will for some long time defer the granting of that which we ask, that he may stir up our faith and hope, and our diligence in prayer: and that we might the better esteem of the gifts of God when we have them, and show ourselves more thankful.