2007-07-01 00:48:24 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Is all prayer answered? Scripture teaches that God does answer our prayers (John 16:24); but Scripture also says that there are some conditions for effective prayer. What are some reasons the Bible gives for God not answering our prayers?
We don't really believe God can answer them.
Jesus said:
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:22)
James wrote:
“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does” (James 1:6-8).
Believing is perhaps the best known condition for prayer. But there are other reasons prayer is not answered.
We ask with wrong motives.
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (James 4:3).
Unconfessed sin separates us from God, so that He cannot hear.
“Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities (sins) have separated you from God; your sins have hidden his face from you so that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2).
We set up idols in our hearts that come between us and God.
“Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all?” (Ezekiel 14:3)
We don't answer those who cry to us for help.
“If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered” (Proverbs 21:13).
We don't remain in God/God's Word doesn't remain in us.
“If you remain in me and my word remains in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you” (John 15:7).
When you have made sure that all of these are being done, your prayers will be answered. God Bless.
2007-07-01 01:00:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
And since when did the Lord have to answer your prayers? Just because some book has it written somewhere that He does. And what if He just doesn't feel like it? What makes us think that just because some book has this statement in it God is going to obey it? Maybe your prayers stink and He just sees no way to answer nicely. Who knows? He may have answered but you are too thick skulled or perhaps not quite there where the answer to your question is posted... perhaps, if you reflect more you will find that the answer is there right in front of your face. And then again, maybe you are addicted to the question like many are and refuse or just ignore the answers.
2007-07-01 08:00:35 · answer #2 · answered by JORGE N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He knows that what you are asking for right now is not what you need. It's not good for you. He did answer your prayer by saying, "no" and not giving it to you.
Many a time over the years, I've prayed for things and didn't get them. I thank God for that. I'd have been miserable if I''d have gotten some of the things I thought I wanted.
Take heart. It will all turn out for the best.
2007-07-01 08:37:07 · answer #3 · answered by batgirl2good 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes you just have to accept that God knows whats best for you and when he doesn't answer your prayers exactly how you expect then there is a reason.
2007-07-01 07:53:57 · answer #4 · answered by samcol317 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think of what you ask for, do you really need it, apparently no since you are still here and do not have it.....
God will answer any cry sent to him,
My favourite psalm is 130, it read in the firsts verses
"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, Lord hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!"
He will hear your cry and he will give you a helping hand when the burden of your cross is to heavy.
2007-07-01 08:03:49 · answer #5 · answered by FREDERIC L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are more tears shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones.
2007-07-01 07:58:42 · answer #6 · answered by Timaeus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are reasons why sometimes god doesnt answer our prayers. first, maybe we do wrong. second, maybe it is not good, and last, it is a trail for us. if god doesnt answer our prayers, we need to understand god.
2007-07-01 07:54:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ah! Religious solipsism. Always good for a laugh.
CD
2007-07-01 07:53:33 · answer #8 · answered by Super Atheist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no God. You are in charge of your life
2007-07-01 08:16:15 · answer #9 · answered by FallenAngel© 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God helps those who help themselves
2007-07-01 07:51:16 · answer #10 · answered by Gerry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋