During the last few hours Jesus spent with his followers, he told them 7 times that whatever they prayed for would be done. Why then are we so powerless in our prayer lives? Why are our prayers so often unanswered?
John chapters 14-16 records the seven times Jesus said “ask and it shall be given…” John 14:13, 14:14, 15:7, 15:16, 16:23, 16:24, 16:26.
Different preachers will tell you reasons such as you didn’t have enough faith, or you have unconfessed sin, but often these reasons are based on logic, rather than Scripture. Very little about dealing with God has to do with our own strength or goodness. Our best is as filthy rags the Scripture teaches.
So what reasons does the Bible say that prayers are not answered?
- Spiritual Warfare
There is an example in the Bible where Satan delays the answer to prayer. Daniel’s prayer was hindered for 21 days.
Daniel 10. 11 He said to me, “O Daniel, man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 13“But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.…
(However I personally don’t think this is often the case in my life.)
- Wrong Motives.
We are not at liberty to pray at random for whatever our selfish minds conceive. We are not permitted to come into his presence and vent our silly notions and mindless ramblings.
“Ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lust” (James 4:3).
- Lack of Fruit
There is one of the 7 passages in John, that refers to having fruit and it abiding in our lives.
You should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. John 15:16b
What is this fruit? We know the fruit is: “Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
When we pray, and our prayers are not answered, perhaps we need to check our fruit. Every so often believers need to make sure they are growing up spiritually. Perhaps it is time for your fruit inspection.
Look at the word “abide”. This means it is consistently there, not hit and miss.
All believers have the fruit of Spirit available to them. You don’t have to ask God for love, joy, or peace…you already have it in you. However, you may need to ask for a greater yield of your fruit on a day to day basis. The size of the fruit is different among believers. Some people spend time cultivating their fruit so that it’s flourishing; while others tend to neglect their fruit and it becomes unproductive.
Love
“Dear children let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
Is your love unconditional? Or is your love most evident when everything goes your way? This type of fruit keeps on loving even when it’s difficult to show affection to others. The capacity to love grows out of the agape love from the heavenly Father.
Joy
“For the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
Can you have joy in the chaos? Or does your moodiness hover over everyone like a cloud? Not that anyone should be joyful about the hard times, but rather your joy comes from #1) God is with you through it and #2) God uses every trial to help you become stronger in the faith.
Peace
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-8).
Is your inner person wrecked with anxiety and worry when everything falls apart? Or can you rest in God’s peace? There is no peace for the wicked; however, for believers it is available every time you pray and leave your concerns with God.
Forbearance
“Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience” (Colossians 1:11).
Can you be still and wait on God? Or are you tempted to always move ahead so you can stay in control? Forbearance is a fruit that will grow with your experience of being stretched in faith especially in times of trial. Forbearance is another word for patience; you don’t have to pray for patience…it’s there already!
Kindness
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (2 Timothy 2:24).
Do others sense your kindness in words and actions? Or are they more accustomed to your angry response? A gentle word, a soft answer, or a helping hand—all demonstrate the fruit of kindness in this culture of rudeness and selfishness.
Goodness
“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God” (3 John 11).
Are your conversations marked with genuine virtue and honor? Or is your conversation tainted with worldly language, immoral tendencies, or gossip? Goodness doesn’t mean that you are perfect, but rather someone who sincerely reflects the integrity of God within. A believer who demonstrates the fruit of goodness has the tendency to look for the best about people.
Faithfulness
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Does your reputation reflect dependability and steadfastness in the faith? Or do people expect you to be late, undependable, or to drop off the map on a project? Your faithfulness represents God’s Spirit dwelling within. Those who cultivate the fruit of faithfulness are compelled to complete every good work for His glory.
Gentleness
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5).
Is your meek spirit felt around those who live or work with you? Or do they feel that you are a hard and legalistic person to deal with? A spirit of gentleness gives grace freely and consistently. Believers and unbelievers should feel at ease around you because of your presence of gentleness.
Self-Control
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:11-12)
Do you control your appetites? Or do they control you? Believers can demonstrate a life of self-control and discipline in a world where everyday is an opportunity for gluttony. You have the power through the Spirit to control your cravings.
Forbearance
“Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience” (Colossians 1:11).
Can you be still and wait on God? Or are you tempted to always move ahead so you can stay in control? Forbearance is a fruit that will grow with your experience of being stretched in faith especially in times of trial. Forbearance is another word for patience; you don’t have to pray for patience…it’s there already!