19. What evidence is there that Jehovah God does answer the prayers of those who truly are his people and who meet his requirements for prayer?

¹⁹ However, those meeting the divine requirements for prayer have undeniable evidence that Jehovah God does indeed answer their prayers. They have seen Jehovah’s blessing on their united and individual efforts. As a result, ‘the little one has become a thousand and a small one a mighty nation.’ (Isa. 60:22) In answer to their prayers, Jehovah has maneuvered matters so that ‘no weapon formed against them has succeeded.’​—Isa. 54:17.

21. What are some of the indirect benefits of prayer?

²¹ Additionally, we can derive indirect benefits from praying. The very fact that we have unburdened ourselves to Jehovah, our heavenly Father, makes us feel closer to him. By expressing appreciation to him in praise and thanksgiving, we are helped to be more content with our lot. By earnestly supplicating Jehovah, we are helped to be humble and to lean on him rather than on our own understanding and strength. (Prov. 3:5, 6; Phil. 4:13) And, of course, when we are praying, our minds are on things that are upbuilding. (Phil. 4:4-8) For example, when unable to sleep at night, it would certainly be much better to pray about Kingdom interests and spiritual matters than to worry or fret, go over grievances, build castles in the air or let our minds gravitate to the things of the flesh. Yes, we want to ‘throw all our anxiety on Jehovah, because he cares for us.’ If we hide nothing from our heavenly Father, this will help us to examine ourselves and will contribute to our becoming ever closer and more intimate with him.​—1 Pet. 5:7; 2 Cor. 13:5.

22. What does it mean to take our prayers seriously, resulting in what confidence?

²² Truly, prayer, including praise, thanksgiving and supplication, is a precious privilege, and we stand to profit greatly by taking our prayers seriously. Praying shows that we truly have faith. Surely, we want to act in harmony with our prayers, never hurry through them, always seek to improve their quality, and never let them slip into a mere routine repetition of words. Doing so, we will be benefited indirectly, and we can have the confidence that Jehovah God will reward us by answering prayers that are in harmony with his will.