Why does God never answer my prayers?

Question

Even when I pray for other people.

Answer 1

Sometimes, the answer is 'no'.

Answer 2

I do so wish the non-believers would stop answering posts on religion. Yeah, yeah-we get it. You don't believe in God and you think those of us that do are stupid. Whatever. We get it. Now move along and stop boring us with your sarcastic and childish answers.

Anyway, to answer your question, is that (as someone else posted) the answer might be no. Or it could be that God feels that the value lies in you working things out for yourself. Just because you pray to God, doesn't mean he's like a genie that is here to grant your wishes. Although your prayers may be altruistic, God may have another plan for the person you are praying for. It's true that God works in mysterious ways, and we will never understand why things happen they way they do. But part of having faith is knowing that even if something we don't like happens, it is all part of God's plan for us.

Answer 3

Well, Your not getting too many "spiritual" answers here are you. Sorry, I was reading some of the responses you got.
I know its hard when you feel that God dosnt listen when nothing gets answered. I've been there. But he does listen and he does care and you prayers are not in vain. God may not answer all prayers but there is always an unseen reason for it. Also remember that the devil is around too and can interfeer to test your faith. He will do anything he can to make you curse God. Keep praying and keep your faith solid in your heart. God hears you and will answer when the time is right.

Answer 4

God answers prayers. There is a time for everything. The answer to your prayer may not be now. Believe that God knows what's best for you. Keep praying.

Answer 5

yeah, watch "Bruce Almighty", it's very insightful from that perspective :)
Seriously, I had a similar discussion once with my father - who's 30 years older than me and has had much more prayers both unswered and not. His wisdom was that at the time that you're praying, you only see through a very small window what happens if your prayer is answered or not. But then, when you put some perspective to it, when you look back at your life, you realise that all you can say is "thank you for NOT answering those prayers, it's turned out so much better that way!". I've had to say that a couple of times already, and I'm not yet thirty :)

Answer 6

This is a common question asked by many people. Infact I used to ask this question to myself...

Seven years ago, there were problems between my mom and dad. They lived separately.. It used to hurt me alot, I wanted my parents to love each other and start living together.

I prayed alot to God. But nothing good happened. There was a point, when I felt that God wasn't listening to me.

Five years later, my prayer was finally answered. A strange course took place and brought them together once again. Today they are so much in love with each other.. They seem like a newly wedded couple!!

Have faith in God! Your prayers will be answered.. If not today, then perhaps tomorrow... But your prayers will never go unheard :-)

Answer 7

I'm listing a few answers the church has given in my experience. Take the one that makes you feel better because I don't really believe that there is an answer...

-The bible says that when we ask God for something, the answer is either yes, no, or wait. (if you REALLY think about this, doesn't this pretty much justify ANY RESULT of the prayer?)

-have faith. all things come in time. (i think sometimes we say this to be optimistic. EVERYTHING COMES IN TIME. that's how the world works)

-everything happens for a reason. (optimism. we find comfort in thinking that something was SUPPOSED to happen. that way we can look for the good in the given situation. it's optimism)

-punishement for doing wrong

-prayers were answered, you just don't know or haven't seen yet

-you just didn't get the answer that you wanted

that's pretty much all I got right now. Consider this: if all believers prayed for world peace, would it happen?

Answer 8

Well if God never answers your prayers, you should ask your self are you really saved. This is a serious answer too. Satan fooled me once into thinking I was saved for 1 year. I think I would ask myself some questions and use Gods word to answer it. Read Romans 10:9-13 and ask your self did the Holy Spirit knock on your hearts door and show you that you was a sinner in need of a Saviour, and when you saw that did you call upon the name of the Lord.Did you pray and ask Jesus to forgive you. Thats what happened to me I let the preacher pray for me, but he cant pray for me. I had to pray for myself. I hope this helped.

Answer 9

An answer delayed is not a prayer denied. When we think of "unanswered" prayer, it may be that we do not understand the way in which God responds to our requests. He may not grant an immediate answer, and sometimes our prayers are answered in a way that we fail to recognize. We pray for prosperity, and sometimes financial stress is given. But our souls are made stronger for the test. We pray for health, and affliction is given, and we are better able to sympathize with those in affliction. God makes no mistakes, though at times we may question His wisdom. Read 2 Peter 3:9.

Our motive for making a request to God must be pure. If your prayer is self-centered, concerned with the gratification of your own desires, God cannot, in faithfulness, grant your requests. James 4:3 says, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."

Perhaps you are praying for a person close to you, and you have not seen any changes. God can work through your prayers to soften a heart or to bring about circumstances to draw those for whom you are praying closer to Him. However, God has given man a free will. If your prayers are not always answered as you expect, it is not because God is not working in the situation. It may be that the person for whom you are praying has not yet responded to God's call. You must not permit yourself to give in to despair. You should, however, continue in prayer, knowing that the Lord is more concerned for them than you are and that it is His will to help them; read 1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9, and 1 John 5:14-15.

So often we are inclined to think that the only answer God can give our prayers is "yes." We need to remember that "no" is an answer also. "No" is certainly an answer of love on the part of our Heavenly Father when we ask Him for things which are not really for our good or for His glory. God does not always give us what we want; He gives us what we need. Just as a good parent does not grant all the requests of his child, God does not answer every request in the way we desire. Consider these things as you continue to take your needs to the Lord in prayer.

Answer 10

I have felt the same way, and I have learned a bit on this...There is a doctrinal principle here you may be missing, prayer is not a magic wand, but a manner for us to commune with God and assist others, though we may not intervene in their lives, we may pray for them. Ultimately we must surrender to "thy will be done, Lord" and know that our sincere prayers were heard, and when in align for best interest as God see it, they are answered. It is frusterating at times, however when all is said and done I find sometimes I am praying selfishly, which is not love based.

Answer 11

because you cant just pray when you need something. think of it as credit. you need to work it up before you can afford the thing you want. you dont just go get a credit card and buy a 5000 dollar tv.
pray more often. like every night.
you may also be praying to the wrong god. like buddha or someone
and he probably is deaf, because he hardly ever answers my prayers, but i still pray, im working for immortality