Show Notes

Summary

Prayer is the most powerful thing the believer can do, so its important to understand it.

Let’s get this straight from the start:
If you’re saved, there’s actually no such thing as an unanswered prayer.

God answers the prayers of all of His children in one of three ways:
yes, no, or wait.
And all three are answers.

Jesus Himself promised:

“And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.” — John 14:13–14

So if someone thinks God isn’t listening, something else is going on.

We’re gonna go through the most common issues with unanswered prayer, including interpreting the “no” and the “wait”.  This is a convicting but hopeful episode, as God loves to hear from and answer His children.

1. Confession of Sin

If you are a believer, there’s one major reason your prayers hit the ceiling and fall back down:

Unconfessed sin.

The confession of sin is a commandment and a spiritual discipline.  Many may not think it affects our prayer lives, but it absolutely does!  

James doesn’t say “keep your sin to yourself and hope you feel better eventually.” He says:

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed…” — James 5:16

God is holy.
Sin separates us.
Not from His love, but from His fellowship. Some Christians get so seasoned they stop confessing because they don’t think they sin. That’s not maturity, that’s pride.

No need to feel shame or guilt, just go to Him, to get clean because He loves us and is here to help us.

2. When God says “No”

When we ask for things, we usually want a “yes.”  But God is not a genie; He is our Father.  He knows what is best for us.  The “no” can be felt.  We may go and read the Bible only to see that what we asked for is clearly not of God.  He may send a friend to us who confirms the “no.”  

Many times, the issue with the “no” is our response to it.  Will we accept it or push back?

3. Perseverance in Prayer

The “wait” is the hardest answer because it feels like nothing is happening. But technically, it’s a yes in the future!

It’s a test of our patience.  God works great things in us through patience.  The problem is our tendency to give up.  But fear not! God gives us the grace to even persevere in prayer.  I give some very hopeful examples in this episode.  ( I think this is the best part of it!)

“Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” — Isaiah 65:24

A wait is never silence. It’s timing.

Give it a Try 💪🏽🤍

• Confess your sins to God and to a Christian friend/accountability partner 🙏🏽.
• DON’T GIVE UP- God loves hearing from us.  Nothing is too small or insignificant for Him.  It’s an honor to be able to go directly to Almighty God.