WHY PRAY IF GOD DOES NOT ANSWER?

“For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:24-28

Throughout the scriptures, we are told to pray. Moreover, God has promised to answer prayer “for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Can there be any doubt that God answers prayer?

Those of us who have prayed know there are many times when there is no answer to our pleadings. Why? In some cases it may be disobedience (Deuteronomy 1:45; I Samuel 14:37, 28:6), secret sin (Psalms 66:18); Indifference, neglect of mercy (Proverbs 21:13); iniquity (Isaiah 59:2; Micah 3:4), stubbornness (Zechariah 7:13); instability (James 1:6-7) or self-indulgence (James 4:3).

What if we are living as best we can and praying for someone else, not in a selfish way of praying? Why does He not hear us when we pray? On the one hand, God promises to answer our prayers, and yet we pray and pray, and there is no answer. Why? There must be something we are missing. James 4:3 tells us why some prayers are not answered. What are some of these reasons? In II Corinthians 12:7, we are told that God did not answer Paul’s prayers. In Daniel 10:12-13 and II Corinthians 10:4-5, we see other reasons why prayers are not answered.

What if God intends prayer to be more than just getting what we want or what we think is best? What if God has a far greater purpose than what we are asking to be done? How does the sovereignty of God affect our praying? Why did Jesus pray, “Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done”? Why do we not pray in the same manner?

Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Can we believe this, even when God does not answer our prayers? Do you have an instance of this? Is it possible that one day in eternity we will see that God answered many of our prayers, in a different way and at a later time?

If we pray and do not get answers, what should we do? What do we usually do? What does this say about our understanding of God and His purpose? Is it possible that God intends to use prayer to change us (our thinking, our outlook, our priorities, and our way of life) instead of giving us something?