II Kings 13-17

II Kings 13:1-6 introduces an enigma of prayer. Why does God sometimes answer the prayer of a wicked person? Jehoahaz, a very wicked king, “entreated the favor of the Lord, and the Lord listened, for He saw the affliction of Israel that it was very bitter.... He saved them (13:4,5).” While we do not have all the answers, these verses suggest some. Jehoahaz, in his evilness, still apparently had true compassion for the people. And on top of that, his prayer reflected the heart of God.

Selfless prayer, i.e., praying what God desires, will usually put us on the path of successful prayer.