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How should a Christian respond to unanswered prayer?



    
    

Clarify Share Report Asked July 01 2013 Mini Anonymous (via GotQuestions)

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

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Shea S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries
How many Christians have prayed for someone, only to see their prayers go unanswered? How many have prayed and perhaps have "given up" because either they have become discouraged through a weakness...

July 01 2013 5 responses Vote Up Share Report


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Stringio Vincent Mercado Supporter Skeptic turned believer, Catholic, father of 3
Just the other night a hometown football game, my wife and I ran into my old high school flame. And as I introduced them the past came back to me and I couldn't help but think of the way things used to be. She was the one that I'd wanted for all times. And each night I'd spend praying that God would make her mine. And if he'd only grant me this wish I wished back then, I'd never ask for anything again.

Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers. Remember when you're talking to the man upstairs that just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care. Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.

She wasn't quite the angel that I remembered in my dreams. And I could tell that time had changed me in her eyes too it seemed. We tried to talk about the old days, there wasn't much we could recall. I guess the Lord knows what he's doing after all. And as she walked away and I looked at my wife and then and there I thanked the good Lord for the gifts in my life.

-Garth Brooks

October 16 2013 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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David goliath victory hg clr Jim Tumlinson Supporter One beggar leading others to where the bread is
We cannot always say that our prayer is not answered. Sometimes we say it is because of sin which is not true. When God sees us He sees Jesus. If our prayers were not answered because of sin then none of them would be answered since we sin far more than we pray for something. 

We need to be conscience of this verse since God is; 
Heb 10:2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. KJV

Daniel prayed and it took the Angel time to get there after he was fighting against an evil spirit in the spirit realm. We seem to put expiration dates on prayers as well. If we don't see it happen right away we think it is not answered.

Lets look at the character of God in the new testament. He is love and loves us with an everlasting love, so why would He not communicate with us like a good father would do with His child. Just stay utterly silent? C'mon, God doesn't do that. 

2 Peter 1:3 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: KJV

So with this verse in mind, shouldn't we believe that our prayers are and will be answered. Perhaps patience is in order. Faith. If we have been given all things then we have been given an answer to our prayer, perhaps its in our seeing or perceiving or understanding that we miss it, but certainly not GOD :)

December 15 2013 2 responses Vote Up Share Report


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Mini Hairy Animals Supporter
Although I don't have any Scripture to support my answer, I strongly believe God always answers our prayers. It's just that He doesn't always say "yes." Oftentimes, He answers our prayers with a "no" or a "wait". We should always continue trusting God. He says "no" or "wait" for a reason. The timing may not be right, what we ask may not be His will, etc. We should be patient and continue praying at all times.
When God does say "yes", the results can be amazing. Sometimes I barely say "amen" when whatever I prayed for becomes reality! How great is His power and might!

September 06 2014 1 response Vote Up Share Report


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Stringio Phillip Ramirez Supporter Actor-Musician-Bible Student
1 Thess. 5:17, 18—"Pray constantly. 18 Give thanks for everything. This is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Don't stop praying simply because your prayer may not have been answered. Perhaps it wasn't in harmony with God's purpose in the greater scheme of things. You could also look at it this way: perhaps there is some personal growth that needs to be done on your part. God's not saying you're not worthy, just that something needs readjusting.

January 20 2014 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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Tjart3 Thomas Riccardi Supporter Warrior Spirit
It is simple...with thanksgiving and prayer with patience. Remember, sometimes a no or no answer is God's will that is best for us even though we may not see it that way.

January 13 2019 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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Photo John Moyo Supporter Christian youth teacher
I believe prayer will always be answered because Jesus specifically said so in John 14:13 " You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father" 
As has been discussed already, if all cnditions for prayer are fulfilled such as motive and intention, then unanswered prayer simply is delayed prayer and delayed prayer is a test of faith. 
Therefore if prayer request is made in good faith it will always be answered but in His own time.

December 04 2019 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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1c7dc619 e8cb 4451 8a52 e3a87798fa3a Mark Sparks Supporter
I don’t believe there are any unanswered prayers. I believe God simply answers your prayer in one of three ways.

1. Yes
2. No
3. Wait until a later time.

June 25 2021 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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