Questions & Answers

“How can I know God is listening to my prayers?”

Prayer is a great blessing, and we’re promised that Heavenly Father is always listening, but often it takes some work to recognize His answers.¹

Think about this: either God hears you or He doesn’t. If He doesn’t, then of course there’s no point in praying. But if He does (and He does!), we have to figure out how to really commune with Him in prayer, recognize answers, and faithfully move forward.

When we feel He’s not listening, maybe we need to experience some personal growth. You might ask yourself a few questions: Am I clean? Are my motives worthy? Am I willing to do what He asks?² If the answer to each of these is yes, you can trust that “the Lord thy God shall … give thee answer to thy prayers” (D&C 112:10). Remember, sometimes answers come in subtle or unexpected ways.

If you answered no to some of those questions, it’s never too late! Make the necessary changes in your life so you can have the Spirit. Be willing to act on promptings you receive.

And don’t forget that everyone receives answers differently. Pray that the Holy Ghost will teach you how you can recognize answers. It might not be easy to recognize them at first, but it’s like any other skill: practice makes perfect. Have faith and trust that Heavenly Father is always listening.

Listen to the Spirit

Try to listen to the Holy Ghost. People hear the Holy Ghost in different ways, so maybe you’re listening for a still, small voice when the prompting may come as a feeling. I know that the Holy Ghost will tell you all that you need to know—you just have to listen.

Elise G., 13, Alberta, Canada

Answers in Church

Once I had a huge doubt about whether to go on a date with a nonmember. One Sunday in sacrament meeting, a sister gave a talk that seemed to be directed personally to me. At that moment, I received an assurance that the Lord had answered my prayer. Before, I had been confused about what to do, but then I was comforted by the Holy Ghost, who filled my heart with joy and courage. God answers us through feelings, thoughts, the scriptures, and even speakers at church!

Karen V., 19, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Remember Who You Are

I know God hears us because prayer produces a feeling of peace, relief, and love in my heart. I see that He frees me from many dangers from day to day and that He protects my family, and I feel loved by Him. Before I go to school, I always say the Young Women theme; it helps me remember that I am a daughter of Heavenly Father, who loves me.

Nicol M., 19, Lima, Peru

A Child’s Prayer

I know Heavenly Father hears my prayers because of these words in the Primary song “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12): “Heavenly Father, are you really there? And do you hear and answer ev’ry child’s prayer? Some say that heaven is far away, but I feel it close around me as I pray.” When I remember that song, I know He is listening because I feel the Spirit and His infinite love for me. As I remember that He loves me, I feel comfort and know that He hears my prayers.

Elaine B., 16, North Carolina, USA

Trust in Him

Heavenly Father always listens to our prayers, but sometimes it seems like He isn’t answering our prayers because He may not answer us how or when we want Him to. We need to be willing to submit our will to His and have faith that He knows what’s best for us. Heavenly Father loves us and will always try to help us learn and grow as He answers our prayers.

Mosiah M., 17, Utah, USA

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

Through the scriptures, we are taught that God will always hear our prayers and will answer them if we address Him with faith and real intent. In our hearts we will feel the confirmation that He does hear us, a feeling of peace and calm. We can also feel that everything will be fine when we follow the Father’s will. If we doubt that He hears us, we ought to seek guidance in the scriptures and then ask if those things we read are true.

Constanza L., 20, Bío Bío, Chile

Search It Out

I once wondered if God could hear my prayers, and then I felt the answer in my heart. I heard someone bear testimony about prayer, and I could feel the Holy Ghost. My other advice would be to ask your parents, bishop, or other members of your ward. You could even pray for help on this topic!

Joshua S., 13, Oregon, USA

Pray Sincerely

After your prayer, you can listen to the feelings and intents that come to your heart. One of them may be the answer to your prayer. When we pray with real intent and a sincere heart, our Heavenly Father responds according to the faith we have in Him. He doesn’t respond just to satisfy our curiosity.

Jean-Claude N., 16, Kasaï-Central, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Responses are intended for help and perspective, not as official pronouncements of Church doctrine.

Notes

1. See Matthew 7:7; James 1:5–6; Alma 33:4–11; Doctrine and Covenants 8:1–2.

2. See Richard G. Scott, Oct. 1989 general conference.

Don’t Give Up

James B. Martino

“Be obedient, remember the times when you have felt the Spirit in the past, and ask in faith. Your answer will come, and you will feel the love and peace of the Savior. It may not come as quickly or in the format you desire, but the answer will come. Do not give up!”

Elder James B. Martino of the Seventy, Oct. 2015 general conference.

Upcoming Question

“How can I ask my friends not to talk unkindly or inappropriately about others?”

Send your answer and photo by May 15, 2017.

Go to newera.lds.org. Click “Submit Your Work.” Sign in with your LDS Account and then select “New Era” under “Choose Magazine.” Click “Add File” to select your file and photos, and then click “Submit” to upload and send us your file.

Responses may be edited for length or clarity.