How do I know God is answering my prayers?

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Walterross

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How do we know, or will we ever truly know? I’ve been conflicted as of late. I’ve been in a tough situation in my life for a while now. I’ve always been strong in my faith and my prayer life. It seems, though, that God is not answering my prayers. They are not bad requests either, they seem rather reasonable: taking away some mental health problems I have: depression and anxiety. I would like to think that a loving God wouldn’t want me to suffer so much and would at least help me get better. I’ve noticed, when I do feel better, whether that’s exercising or practicing healthy habits, I’m not sure if God had a hand in it. One of my problems is low self esteem and worth. Did God help me make these good choices? Or am I not giving myself enough credit, and am I actually digging myself out of this hole by myself. The latter would definitely raise my confidence in myself when i make strides to get better. But if I’m the reason I’m getting better, that means God either doesn’t exist, or exists and just doesn’t answer prayers? It’s hard to think of those two choices but God seems so silent in life unless we: read his word, go to adoration, etc. and even then we don’t even know if God is actually present or we’re just kidding ourselves. It’s frustrating to see all these motivational quotes such as God will deliver you from suffering when in reality, he does not. For example, it’s hard to determine what to say, “Oh I faced my fear today. God definitely answered my prayers and helped me!” or “Oh I faced my fear today. I definitely should pat myself on the back because I conquered it all on my own.” I hope this makes sense. Any advice/ suggestions?
 
How would it feel if God inspired your thoughts in a way that made you feel better? You’d think pretty much as you’ve described probably.

People sometimes say look at this flower, isn’t it proof that there is a God. And someone replies no, science tells us how this flower comes to be the way it is. I’d say that they’re both right because science has discovered how God made that flower be the way it is.

I see it as a synergy between us and God, so obviously as with all things it will be difficult to tell where the apparent blends with God.

I seem to remember blessed Father Solanus saying that he thought God wants us to seek medical help first and if that fails then ask for His help through prayer. He was a wonderful man in many ways but we must bear in mind that that was his idea about it only, but it seems very reasonable.

I can assure you that God is real, more real than us! It does sound as though you’ve had some help from above and please hold on to your faith and ask Our Lord for more faith daily as I do myself.

Peace be with you.
 
I know what you mean but I waited for a very long time and it was frustrating. I found it better to cooperate, pray for help but also be proactive.

It does depend on what circumstances you’re talking about but if you can take action then I think you should and God sometimes gives you wings! Doors sometimes open, things happen, but you have to be out there or active for those things to occur in my opinion.
 
It took me a couple years to sort through the same problem.

I asked my priest if praying for others would “come back to me” with positive effects. He said yes, there was a term for it but I forgot. So I looked around me, starting with family members with drinking habits and praying their names and addiction to Saint Maximilian Kolbe (patron Saint of addictions) so they would receive healing.

Then, I began praying all sorts of other problems in the world to the respective patron saint, knowing full in my heart that I would not analyze or seek whether or not the healing would occur. I just kept to Matthew 6:6 and ran into a room, closed the door, prayed concerns for others and opened the door feeling I would be rewarded for my efforts.

I did this until I could not, exclaiming “for the repose of the souls who suffered (blank)” and kept going and going until I could not. Always keeping away from praying what I could see in plain sight.

Then, I saw things happening in my life which were unreal. A new car, new clothes, lots of money, it was fantastic!

Trust me, it took around 2 years of rolling it out, but it worked better than getting on my knees and praying for myself and waiting to be served. I hope this gives you some inspiration! Instead of praying inside out, try outside in and allow god to do the work in his time.
 
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Pray with faith. And be humble in your prayer, say Lord grant me what you will, as much as you will, when you will.
 
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