Why doesn't God answer my prayers?

Could texaskimmie, sxylady, jess563029, pattijo, silverwings, mamk, flossheal, lovelylizzy, and bro kwame also possibly have a point ?

Not according to my Bible, which I believe to true from ‘cover to cover’ - but all are free to accept or reject - both have eternal consequences.

Keep in mind often the answer is ‘not yet’ - jusy keep praising and presenting your petition…Take care !!

Praying “sent it on ahead” for you to use/find/receive at a later time!!! Oh, the joy of long suffering!!! Glad to see HE brought you through your difficulties.

sigh maybe it’s not time yet for you to receive it, or maybe he’s putting you through a test to se if you’ll stay faithful, or maybe he belives you don’t need what you’re asking for or that it’s not ment to be.

Hi Jess, First, thanks for your prayers, it means a lot to me that you do that. Your kindness is very valuable. Your concern for others is truly disarming. Please try to cherish that quality for the rest of your life! We all need people like you around in the world! But please, do not worry so much about me. As Texaskimmi already observed before, I am quite comfortable. My prayers have been for others who need support much more than I do. And please do not worry about Morbid’s post. It did not question my faith. In fact, I have been questioning my faith long, long before that. Hence my opening question. If Morbid’s reply did anything, it was making me think more about my faith. And, thinking about faith, that is something, I wished, more people would do. Too many christians avoid questions like mine (and many others) because the answers are hard, painful or scary. Instead, they hide behind words from priests or bible quotations and that often results into hollow advice and promises (by the way, ‘hollow’ is the one and only biblical term that I used in this thread, and that was exactly the one, that someone tripped over. Funny, isn’t it?).
I believe that us people have responsibilities towards others (you understand that. You take on those responsibilities with whole your heart by the looks of it). But too many christians (and many others )become comfortable with their religion and see God as something like, let’s say…, a coo-coo clock that you need to wind up with the right key at the right time. And if you do that with the correct routine, you automatically gain a comfy place in heaven and if you are lucky, It will say ‘coo-coo’ in Its own time. No questions asked. I do not want to have a relationship with God like that, Jess! I want to know why God was not there when that East-African mother was gang-raped in front of her children while she was screaming for his intervention. I want to know why he was not there when that American college-teacher was shot through the head in front of her students while she was praying for his intervention. I would like to know that, not to test God, but to have an understanding of what I can expect the next time when something goes horribly wrong. As it does continuously and all over the world, including in your and my culture! And for now, contrary to his promises in the scriptures (and by many of his followers), God’s record of reliance when it comes to a sudden intervention during the process of repulsive crimes, is not impressive. I believe that it is everyone’s responsibility to be critical towards the sources that influence the welfare of the vulnerable people in this world. If that source happens to be God, religion, the bible or whatever, so be it! Now, Many christians see my views as rebellious, blasphemous or whatever and express concerns about the possibilities of me entering heaven after I have popped off. But I think that that would be a private matter between God and me, and just as much not open to discussion on an Internet-forum as what I eat, what I vote for or what my sex-life looks like.

And Captainassessin, I appreciate your enthusiasm…, but hey…, go WHIP someone else, will you?!

I know heaps of people who say that God nevers answers their prayers. I just realised something…they all speak English. None of my Spanish friends complain that God doesn’t answer their prayers. Based on this my theory is that God doesn’t speak English. Perhaps he only speaks Spanish?

It seems like they’re just trying to make people believe what they believe, or should I say don’t believe, so that they are not alone.

Theists do the EXACT same thing.

I feel that atheists don’t believe in God because they fear the unknown.

That’s ALSO a common reason why theists BELIEVE

It’s messed up that when someone who does believe in God needs help with a question regarding God and prayers, someone who doesn’t even believe tries to answer it knowing that it could make them question their faith. It’s like they did it to mess with her head, especially since she’s confused to begin with.

The SAME thing is happening on this site, where the roles are reversed.

You don’t know your history, my dear…

Atheists are more vocal now, because they no longer live in fear of persecution, condemnation, alienation, deportation, imprisonment, execution, or anything else religious powers have done to them in the past.

And seeing questions being answered with responses like morbids makes me realize how bad it has really gotten.

You… DO realize… that atheists have been around long before Christianity, right?

Yah ‘looking for’, I was wondering about that myself: was The Lord Jesus a catholic jew, or a protestant jew…?

No, I apologise for my sarcasm ‘looking for’, but I live in a culture where religious segregation has caused so much human grieve, I find it hard to be tolerant on that one…

Sorry, I am sure that you mean well!

please do you do the will of god , mattew 6:33, are you closer to him , how do you pray? do you want his will or your will ? I HAVE BEEN IN A SITUATION FOR MORE THAN 20 years NOW BUT I STILL PRAY FOR IT SO THAT GOD WILL ANSWER ME AT THE RIGHT TIME

God’s timing is totally different then ours. When you want something done.. problably isn’t when God wants it donee. So just give it time!!! And have faith boo boo.<333 God is ALWAYS listening to you.

You seem like you are pretty safe if you are able to be on the internet. God answers prayers. It may not be exactly what YOU want, but there is a reason for everything.

You are all sweet, and I sincerely thank you for your efforts, but I have heard your hollow replies so often before. I must be on the wrong site.

Annv, in response to your wondering where God was, when bad things happened to those two people, we may never know the answer to that, this side of heaven. God did not intervene when his own son was being beat, and whipped, and spat upon, nor did he intervene, when every one of Jesus disciples met with terrible misfortune. There have been reports of when he did intervene, and many when he did not. Our challange as followers is to see in his word the promises that he makes to us, and stand on those promises. If he fails to do what we thought he ought to , then we have to pray to find the reason for that, or try to, so that we can maintain our faith. Many people go thru extreme circumstances, yet, remain faithful. That is what each of us has to work out.

Thanks for taking this seriously silverwings. I have always prayed out of a deep and dedicated faith. Search for safety is not the same as fear in this instance. I also have an extended intellectual knowledge of the bible and a fair idea of how God makes himself clear to other people, a notion that is acknowledged again in this thread. What is missing is a recognizable constructive response to my specific need. I think that I will stick with jess’ response. Thank you all so much!

Hi Ann, I wish you would elaborate on the question, so that we might better be able to help you with it. For instance, are you continually running into things that make you feel unsafe? One thing that came to mind as I read your post, are you praying out of faith or fear? God responds to faith. Fear is the opposite, and the bible says that “perfect love casts out fear”, that means that the more we learn about God, the more we love him and then as that love and trust grows in us, it displaces the fear that would beset us.

3/19/08 - Scientific Study proves: ‘Go to church and pray if you want to be Happy:’ Those with religious beliefs are likely to be happier than atheists or agnostics.

Research suggests religion can act as an “insurance policy” against the adversities of life.

Regular churchgoers also appear to cope better with events such as divorce or unemployment and may even be happier.

The study, presented yesterday at the Royal Economic Society’s annual conference-in Coventry, used data from across Europe to investigate the effect of being religious on life satisfaction, as well as attitudes towards government policies.

Although the idea of religious belief as a “fortress” was not new, “this issue of insurance has surprisingly received only limited attention”, the report’s authors said.

The study concluded that the “stress-buffering” effect varies according to the life event and religious denomination, but “churchgoing and prayer are also associated with greater satisfaction”.

Authors Professor Andrew Clark and Dr Orsolya Lelkes also found strong faith led to different political attitudes. The religious were less supportive of unemployment benefits. Religion could even influence the evolution of social and economic institutions, they said.

annv ‘hollow’ is your opinion - what I said I KNOW to be true - wonder why you asked the question if you already had your biased/put-down answer waiting - There is indeed none so blind as one who will not see - texaskimmie and sxylady gave excellent answers - your character is showing…

I never said that atheists just recently became! But YOU do realize that before christianity, atheists kept quiet, right? Today they’ve became very forward. It seems like they’re just trying to make people believe what they believe, or should I say don’t believe, so that they are not alone. I feel that atheists don’t believe in God because they fear the unknown. They’re scared because they feel that there IS something bigger than they are that has some sort of control over their lives, and they don’t like it, so therefore they chose to deny that power. They push it aside and post responses like that without any explanation…because most of them don’t even know the reason they feel that way.

It’s messed up that when someone who does believe in God needs help with a question regarding God and prayers, someone who doesn’t even believe tries to answer it knowing that it could make them question their faith. It’s like they did it to mess with her head, especially since she’s confused to begin with.

Hi annv, I’ve been checking back here a lot to see if you’ve said anything recently. As soon as I saw morbids response my stomach dropped. Those words kind of hurt because one thing that I truly believe is the one sin that is NEVER forgiven, not believing in God at all. Then I read on, and saw that he made you question God yourself! It’s upsetting that the words of one person can make so many people question their faith, but the tons of advice given by believers is thoughtlessly thrown out.

I REALLY wish that I could say something to help you with whatever it is that you’re going through. I’ve been praying hard about your situation, because the same question was brought up by a close family member of mine, and it makes me question, not God, but the world. So many people pray for material things, for themselves, for things they want, they ask so much of God. Then they question “why” it takes so long for him to answer them. And what does God ask for in return? He asks for your faith, patience and understanding. Crazy huh? Three little things that are relatively easy to give him, but nobody can seem to grasp the concept. Everyone gets caught up in themselves and why things aren’t going their way. Why not step back, take a look, and be thankful for the things that he HAS given you. Did you open your eyes this morning? Did you return home safely after you were done doing your errands, or working all day? Maybe try thanking him for what he has done for you, everyday! Try saying your prayers without asking him for anything. Let him decide what you need.

I don’t know!? I’m really sick of the world taking everyday for granted. And seeing questions being answered with responses like morbids makes me realize how bad it has really gotten.

I hope you take some of the POSITIVE advice that has been given to you. I would hate to see someone else just give up on something they believed in so strongly at one time.

Once again, if you need to talk just fun mail me anytime.

Jess

I was told that praying the same thing over and over, is a way of putting God down. I’m not sure how true it is, but it makes sense. Asking for the same thing over and over again makes it seem like you’re saying that he can’t hear you. But he can hear you and he will answer your prayer in his time. Did you ever think that him “not answering you” is his way of trying to say that he trusts your judgment? Maybe he feels that you’ve taken the right path and just need to work through it on your own. Or maybe you didn’t chose the right path and the things you are going through are lessons that need to be learned. Maybe he feels that having you work through this by yourself, you will become a stronger person. Do you mind me asking what it is that your trying to stay safe from? I’m very interested in helping you through this, so if you want to talk. fun mail me please?!

As before, His timing is not our timing. We must show obedience by always praying fervently and know He ALWAYS answers prayer. I know a friend who has been praying for a certain individual for 30 years and he still is.

One little one is when my youngest son wouldn’t come eat at the table when called. This went on for weeks, he’d show minutes into dinner. One afternoon, my oldest and I prayed that “A” would come and eat as soon as we sat down. Before we knew it, he was rounding the corner, and we just looked at each other, smiling.

Three years ago, an elder in our church, and friend asked if I would go with him to pray for a young man in the Billings hospital. He was 19 at the time and had a brain aneurysm while playing basketball, collapsed on the court, then was life flighted there.

He had brain surgery, weeks went by, the doctors said he wouldn’t make it, and that there was nothing more they could do. We arrived (160 mile drive) in the morning after the doctors pulled his drain tubes out the night before. The brain swelling couldn’t be controlled. His loving parents stayed there for the whole time.

We anointed him with oil, prayed for forgiveness, prayed the sinner’s prayer for all to follow in the IC room, and in Jesus name that he would be healed day by day that “J.” would become stronger and stronger.

Two days later, J. was move to a nursing home at home, yes he made the 160 mile trip. He was taken care of by the staff ‘round the clock.

Little by little, tiny incremental changes began and there were times when I went to visit, his dad was pushing him around the grounds in a wheelchair, I offered my hand and said, “Good to see you, J.” He replied, “Good to see you, too!”

We have never really met. I’ve not been to see J. for a year. He is home now and his brother is the Terminix guy here and said that J. wants to meet me sometime. He already knew the elder because he had worked for him in high school. There was a write up in our paper about him two weeks ago, that he’s been giving his testimony everywhere he goes, volunteers at NOWCAP, and is driving his same car!

Praises to our Lord and King, is all I can do.

Ok, toadaly…

Well - I’ll pray with you too! I have older friends who have been praying faithfully for the same thing for over 30 years. I really admire their faith and I know they feel despairing sometimes, but they keep on praying and trust God that he will answer in his own time. One of them has even heard God promise that he will do what she’s asked, just not yet!

I don’t know if this helps you or not, but it does make me realise that faithfulness and patience are not impossible.

Your answers are really well-thought-out and interesting. I wonder if Jess’ response struck a chord with you because of the thing you are asking for.

It makes me think there are two types of persistent prayer. One is a plea for someone else. We can see if it’s not answered yet - prayer to make someone better, prayer to bring a person to faith in Christ etc. I think Jesus is fine if we ‘go on knocking at the door’ about stuff like this - he encouraged us to.

The other kind is prayer is one for ourself, where perhaps we need to go on in faith believing that God HAS answered in order to FIND that answer. Maybe that is what Jess is talking about - God has given us a lot of control over our own lives and if we say ‘God, WHY aren’t you making me more faithful/less easily tempted/braver etc’ maybe that is the sign that we aren’t trusting God that he is already at work on it!

I have no idea if what I’ve just said is anything like your prayer - it probably isn’t. But it just gave me a chance to mull over my own prayer life…

Thanks and prayers for you,

Floss

Hi Floss, good to ‘see’ you too!

The last several months I have achieved much more by using my brain and work with focus and enthusiasm, than I ever would have achieved by praying. Very constructive all together!

Well, you’re alive aren’t you. Unless you’re not, and you’re a ghost who is haunting the earth trying to kill the one who killed you. And that is me. Sorry, I’’m starting to scare myself.

God answers all prayers, unfortunately and for a reason that we are unable to understand, sometimes his answer is no. :(

Thank you Floss. Your answer reveals kindness and caring effort. It is most encouraging. Thank you all again. I have learned some valuable things from your answers and I suppose that the answer to my initial question is not an easy one to give. The process of prayer is such an personal one. That realisation gives me fuel for progress.

Ann.

For many people in severe difficulties, the concern for eternal life does not prevail. I do not mean to patronize Amblessed, but did you read the whole bible? And do you consider everything to be absolutely true? This is a sincere question that relates to my initial one.

Captaiassessin,

I am not sure what you mean by “snap”, but…, “ I’ll whip who I like..” ?!?! You sound like a REALLY bad DM!!

Anyhow…, this is my last post here…, things to do…, happy christmas everybody, and a good new year! And again, thank you all!

Ann.

Well, the ‘whip’ was YOUR reference, I just rolled with it…

No… I’ll whip who I like…

snap

maybe you pray for the wrong GOD ,, you pray for Jesus or the trinity or or the GOD father …

free to accept or reject - both have eternal consequences.

Oh, like you haven’t said that a hundred times already.

Absolutely Amblessed!! But does Morbid?

Could Morbid possibly have a point?

^^^ Trying to stir things up I see.

God answers your prays in the way he wants you to receive his answers - God knows Best

You are right amblessed, I will try again. You are all sweet, and I sincerely thank you for your efforts! And I believe that what you said is true. But why is it true for you? And how did you experience that? As you understand, my call (prayer) for safety was genuine, necessary and urgent. Please believe me. What is showing is not my character, but my experience…

Thanks for your kind words Jess. They helped me very much! And thanks for your truly generous offer, but please do not worry about me. Your care has given me hope and a bit more trust. I am stronger than I might come across. If you would read my first post in that light, you will understand. Nevertheless, I am grateful for your goodness.

Thank you Flossheal. Your answer reveals kindness and caring effort. It is most encouraging. Thank you all again. I have learned some valuable things from your answers and I suppose that the answer to my initial question is not an easy one to give. The process of prayer is such an personal one. That realisation gives me fuel for progress.

Ann.

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears turned to their prayer” 1 Peter 3:12

“Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.” Mark 11:24

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. “ John 15:7

“For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:8

Taken from the booklet “Jesus: He’s your final answer” by Sarah M. Hupp

God bless

if you’de like my person opinion i would say simply because there is no god. but since alot of people dont want to hear that, ill try something else. according to everyone, god obviously doesnt walk this planet, people are on this planet. people live lives. the only person who can change something in your life is you. people change situations. people change people. so if you simply want your prayers answered, think of what you can do yourself.

Since you DO agree that that’s one of the reasons people become atheist. Right?

No, that’s usually why they convert TO theism… as in “God-fearin’ Christians” …heard of it? Its part of many Christian doctrines. To an atheist, God is like the boogeyman, or tooth-fairy, or santa claus… simply imaginary…

MAYBE the people who do try to answer questions that atheists leave questioning their DISBELIEF (Which I honestly have NEVER SEEN!), are just trying to help keep them from living their lives in fear of a greater being!

…again, that works both ways. Your side is no more or less righteous than theirs.

Sorry, but I DO know my history. That’s why I said TODAY atheists are more vocal. Because they can be without being shunned by society.

When the roles are reversed, I’m not the one who would try to change the persons mind. Don’t rock the boat!

MAYBE the people who do try to answer questions that atheists leave questioning their DISBELIEF (Which I honestly have NEVER SEEN!), are just trying to help keep them from living their lives in fear of a greater being! Since you DO agree that that’s one of the reasons people become atheist. Right?

Thank you Flossheal. Your answer reveals kindness and caring effort. It is most encouraging. Thank you all again. I have learned some valuable things from your answers and I suppose that the answer to my initial question is not an easy one to give. The process of prayer is such an personal one. That realisation gives me fuel for progress.

Ann.

This world and the Universe is just a membrane floating in bigger and higher dimensions…Our life in this world is just short (70, 80 120..is still a limit.) A believer believe after we die there will be the next life where every one of us will be judge very very fairly by GOD. The next life is when you will see the fairness of everything. The next life is bigger…truer…larger..and eternal …the next life is more real than life in this world..and this Universe.

This world and the Universe is just a membrane floating in bigger and higher dimensions…Our life in this world is just short (70, 80 120..is still a limit.) A believer believe after we die there will be the next life where every one of us will be judge very very fairly by GOD. The next life is when you will see the fairness of everything. The next life is bigger…truer…larger..and eternal …the next life is more real than life in this world..and this Universe.

Good point amblessed…!

Do you say “Lord forgive me for my sins” before you pray and “in Jesus name I pray amen” after?

Ok, this is a waste of time. Salut.

Maybe God’s not real…I don’t know, just throwing it out there. _>

Good for you! I find prayer the great motivator to do that, though. Glad to hear from you again!

Floss

If you pray the way you talk to people maybe that is why nothing has happened. You need to be sincere.

Mama K

GOD hears you so just b patiant he will answer sometime just not at first he cin answer it any time he wants to he will someday dont worry he answered mine and it took me a year he is only testin evry1s patience like he is supposed to he is trying to make us strong!!!:)

There’s a song that goes “ HE’S an on time God. Yes HE is. HE may not come when you want him but HE will be there right on time”.

Thank you Floss. Your answer reveals kindness and caring effort. It is most encouraging. Thank you all again. I have learned some valuable things from your answers and I suppose that the answer to my initial question is not an easy one to give. The process of prayer is such an personal one. That realisation gives me fuel for progress.

Ann.