If our prayers aren't answered, does it mean we weren't sincere enough?

Answer 1

God answers all prayers! There are four ways that He will answer - YES, NO, Not at this time, or I have something better for you. it's just that as humans we do not always like or understand the answer that we get so we assume that He isn't answering or doesn't care. I can not tell you how many times I have been thankful that His answer was no. Because in retro spect I can see how bad it would have been if I had been given what I was praying for. Or I could tell you of numerous times that God worked things out in a way that I never could have imagined. Just keep praying and remember that prayer is a two way conversation- make sure that you are listening for the answer! God may have already given you your answer you just do not realize it. Keep your faith-God knows what's in your heart.

Answer 2

All prayers are answered, because Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call unto me, and I WILL ANSWER THEE." (emphasis mine). The problem is that God does not always answer in the way we expect Him to. Remember that His thoughts are not our thoughts, and neither are His ways our ways. (Isaiah 55:8). He usually answers in one of 3 ways: 1) yes, 2) no, or 3) yes, but not right now. Sin definitely does hinder our prayer life as the following Scriptures show: Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:1-2, and 1 John 3:22. But sometimes even the godliest of men had to wait. Take the prophet Daniel for example. On one occasion, he waited 3 weeks for an answer. However, Daniel 10:12 says that the first day he began to pray, that his prayers were heard by God. Those times when God answers "no," are the times that we must remember that He knows what is best for us. One of the biggest problems is our misconception of what prayer really is. Many people think that prayer is a "magic wand," that we wave and the problem disappears. But Hebrews 4:16 teaches us that prayer is a means to tapping into God's grace. To illustrate: Daniel prayed 3 times a day (Daniel 6:10). When he heard the edict had been signed that said whoever prayed to a god other than the king for a period of 30 days would be thrown into the den of lions, what did he do? He prayed! Yet, he still got thrown into the lion's den. Did God not answer his prayer? Yes, He did ! Because while King Darius was unable to eat or sleep all night, Daniel no doubt slept like a bible, and he was the one in the lion's den. You see, God gave Daniel grace to sustain the problem. The same happened with the Apostle Paul and his prayer for removal of his thorn in the flesh (Read 2 Corinthians 12). Again, Paul prayed 3 times, "remove this from me!" God answered, "My grace is sufficient for thee." So you see, God answers in many different ways, but He does answer!

Answer 3

No.

Unlike humans, who only have a limited view of situations, Jehovah God can see all aspects of the subject you pray about.
He knows the circumstances better than you do. He may be teaching you to be patient, or he sees something down the road that could be harmful to you. Your prayers also have to be in harmony with your actions, and they have to be in harmony with his will. He knows what you need, and he sees whaterver it is that you are going through. He answers prayers and gives blessings at the absolute best time possible.Maybe it is not the right time, or you have a lesson to learn that he knows will benifit you more. Keep praying, don't give up.

Answer 4

Who says it wasn't answered? If a child asks its dad for a cookie, and the dad says no, does that mean the kid's prayer wasn't answered? Sometimes we ask for things that in the long run, aren't right for us.

God will never hold back the things he promises in His scripture to us, ie, filling us with His Spirit, inheritance in heaven, etc. These are the things He tells us to ask for and in plenty (especially spiritual fruit).

There are other times where God does intend to answer yes, but He doesn't do it right away. This builds perserverance and faith. Those are things that He truly desires to see in us and are usually better than whatever the heck we asked for.

Answer 5

In order to pray and get an answer you need to pray in faith. What does that mean? Jesus said if you ask anything that lines up with His will that you have what you asked for. Check out Mark 11:24. When you pray you have to believe. Don't pray doubting because if you do than you won't receive anything.
If you pray for something that is not in accordance to God's will than you won't get it. But what hinders prayer is people not praying in Faith and not knowing God's will. Get to know Him by reading His word and watch prayer start to work by faith.

Answer 6

A sincere prayer will be answered, but it depends on two things:
1) It has to be in line with God's will. For instance, I can pray for a Ferrarri from now until I die, but I'm not going to get it. It's entirely unnessecary, and God has no reason to help me get one. On the converse, if I pray for guidance, or help in leading a more godly life, he will.

2) You must act in line with what you ask. If you ask God to help you with, for instance, a problem with alcohol abuse, you must be trying to quit drinking yourself. You cannot just pray and expect him to do all the work. If you really want something, you're expected to put in effort to bring about the result as well.

Answer 7

Never think that your prayers are not sincere enough! God answers prayers the way He wants to. He may not give you exactly what you wanted, when you wanted it, but He did hear you, and you just need to trust that He will do what is right for you. There have been many times that I have prayed for things, and I'm not talking materialistically, just things in general, that He hasn't given me. In hindsight, I now see why. If you are praying, you need to trust Him, and what He will do for you.

Answer 8

Actually could mean a number of things. God may have something better in mind for you, you may have to wait on the deliverance of it a bit longer than you like aka God's timing, not yours..... or you may have been out of fellowship when you prayed. These are all possibilities.

Answer 9

God Listens to all your prayers. And God knows whats good for you and sometimes he knows that what you are praying for is not what you need there for he does not answer it. Remember God Listens

Answer 10

Okay, listen up. GOD LISTENS TO YOUR PRAYERS. There is NO such thing as not sincere enough.
And just wait! God will take care of you, answered prayers or unanswered.