“And he prayed that he might die,” (1 Kings 19:4)

It’s ironic, the man who God would later take to Heaven in a fiery chariot without dying, was at this point in his life, so depressed, he begged God, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life” (1 Kings 19:4). It’s a great example of how God doesn’t answer ignorant prayers, but can give something completely unexpected for the good of the saint and the glory of God (Romans 8:28). In this case, He gave Elijah something much better than what he asked for, but saints should always be content with whatever God ordains. 

 1) If you want your prayers answered, ask for what God wants. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14). This is a profound lesson. The practical ramifications of this are obvious. 

 2) If something doesn’t glorify God, don’t ask for it. “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” (James 4:2-4). 

 3) Make sure you have no unrepented sin and obey Him to the best of your knowledge. “Whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight” (1 John 3:22). 

 4) If you know your request is on solid Biblical ground, keep asking for it. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8). 

 5) Your prayers will change as you begin to want what God wants. “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:12-13).