Four Parts to Private Prayer
Reasons Why Some Prayers Are Not Answered
Sometimes God does not respond to prayers from believers,
no matter how heartfelt and earnest that prayer might be. The
main reason that this communication is hindered is carnality on
the part of the one praying. When a Christian is not walking in
fellowship, the only prayer that God will answer is that of confession.
When confession is made, the Lord provides cleansing, according
to the provisions of 1 John 1:9, at which time further prayer
can be made. There are many reasons given in the Bible why some
prayer is not answered:
 | Lack of faith: Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:24; Rom. 14:23; James 1:5-7 |
| Failure to take in Bible teaching (lack of edification): Prov. 1:24-31; Prov. 28:9; Zech. 7:11-13 |
| Selfishness: James 4:2,3 |
| Carnality: Psalm 66:18; Micah 3:4; Isa. 1:15; 59:1-3** |
| Lack of compassion: Prov. 21:13 |
| Lack of harmony in the home: 1 Peter 3:7 |
| Pride and self-righteousness: Job 35:12,13 |
| Lack of control of the Holy Spirit: Eph. 6:18 |
| Lack of obedience: 1 John 3:22; Eph. 5:18; Deut. 1:43-45**; 1 Sam. 14:37; 1 John 5:14 |
Many times we pray for things because we think that what we
ask for will bring happiness to ourselves or to someone else.
The petition may be for some specific detail of life such as good
health, money, or success in some enterprise. But the desire is
for something less tangible, perhaps, like prosperity or happiness.
Often the Lord will answer prayer by granting the unstated inner
desire, without granting the petition directly. Sometimes we get
everything we ask for, sometimes nothing. Here are the four methods
which God uses to answer prayer.
PETITION GRANTED but DESIRE NOT GRANTED
"And he gave them their request, but sent leanness into
their soul." Psalm 106:15
In Numbers 11 is the story of the Israelites wanting meat to eat.
Their petition for meat was granted; but their desire for a pleasant
experience was not answered.
In 1 Samuel 8, the children of Israel asked for a king. They did
not want to continue under God's personal rule. Their petition,
to have a king, was granted. Their desire, to be like other nations
and to have peace, was not granted. Instead, they had strife and
civil war as long as Saul was their king.
PETITION NOT GRANTED but DESIRE GRANTED
In Genesis 17:18, Abraham asks that Ishmael might be his established
heir. His petition was denied; but his desire for a son and heir
was later granted in the birth of Isaac.
In Genesis 18, Abraham prays for God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah.
His request was denied; but his desire, that Lot and his family
be safe, was granted.
See also 2 Cor. 12:7,8**
PETITION GRANTED and DESIRE GRANTED
In 1 Kings 18, Elijah prayed that God would destroy the altar
on which offering had been made to Baal. His desire was that God
would be glorified. His petition and desire were granted.
Samson asked God to strengthen him so that he could have vengeance
on his Philistine enemies. Both petition and desire were granted.
But God had already decided to judge the Philistines.
One of the thieves on the Cross petitioned Christ, "Remember
me..." His desire was for salvation. Both his petition and
his desire were granted.
BOTH PETITION AND DESIRE DENIED
Refer to an earlier section on the reasons why prayers are
not answered for information as to why God sometimes does not
grant either the petition or the desire.
Conclusion
The Lord uses a variety of means to bring about those things
we desire for ourselves and for others. However, His responses
take into account His knowing all there is to know about every
situation and what is best for everyone concerned. His answers
are sometimes obvious, but at other times they are quite subtle.
When the believer is aware of the various ways God answers prayer,
he is better able to recognize the answers to prayer.
As an example, we might pray that a person be healed from some
illness, not knowing why God has allowed that illness to occur
in the first place. But our desire is that the sick person be
happy, be prosperous, and be free of discomfort and pain. The
person may remain ill, in spite of our prayers; yet God might
make the Word of God more available to that person; and in his
sick condition, the person may have more time to think on spiritual
things. This could result in a great improvement in the growth
of spiritual fruit in his life along with inner peace and prosperity.
Therefore, one might see his desires realized while the actual
prayer request seems to be unanswered.