Troublesome Topic: WHY DO SOME PRAYERS GO UNANSWERED?

Many people, including believers in Jesus and nonbelievers, have come to doubt the power of prayer, or at least be confused about prayer because they have experienced times when God did not grant them what they asked for, even though it seemed legitimate to them. Most of us have asked God for things, or for help, and when that request is not answered we think God is not doing His part, or that prayer does not work.

To put it as plainly as I can, our confusion about whether or not prayer works comes from the fact that we often ask for a favor and think it is true prayer. Asking for favors sometimes works, but real prayer always works.

It is amazing that Satan tempts us to focus on ourselves even during times of prayer! But we have all grown up thinking that asking God for favors is legitimate prayer, and we are confused because sometimes it seems to work, and other times it does not.     

You can still ask “Daddy,” with a capital D, for favors. I just want you to realize what you are doing. When you ask for a favor, do so knowing that it is a favor and not true prayer. Remind yourself that God has not obliged Himself to answer requests for favors.

The fact that parents sometimes give their children things they ask for does not mean that the parent is obliged to give the child whatever he asks for, or that there is some magical power in asking. The love we have for our children is the very reason we say “no” to some of their requests and yes to others. It is the same with God.

I ask God for favors often. Sometimes I tell Him I will ask him a favor before I do so; in that way I let Him know I recognize it is just asking for a favor, and I will not be bothered if He does not grant my request. It shows that I know He sees the big picture and I don’t.

The next lesson in this series is WHAT HAS GOD BOUND HIMSELF TO?