Why Doesn't God Answer My Prayer?

The sermon today was given by Rev. Shaunte' Buckley at Crosswalk service at LLUMC. It was one that pierced my heart, and totally blog worthy. Rev. Shaunte' is so anointed by God, and her message was one for ALL to hear. Far be it from me to keep this vital information to myself....

The sermon series is called "Why?" and this is the second week of the series. Today's message was on Prayer. More specifically, why God doesn't answer prayer, or why God doesn't answer some prayers, or even MORE specifically why He doesn't answer my/your prayers. I want to share with you my notes that I took on the sermon, and the scripture that the Rev. gave on this VERY common question that we ask from time to time: Why doesn't God answer my prayers?

The first scripture we looked at today was Psalm 10:1."God, are you avoiding me? Where are you when I need you?" (The Message) This was David praying to God, so even in the Bible, people prayed as if God did not hear their prayers.

Some of the things that were pointed out about prayer is that we think of it or use it for something that it isn't.
For example:

Prayer is not magic. We don't just need something, pray about it and expect it to happen when we want it and how we want it.

Prayer is not like a vending machine. We don't ask God for something and think all we have to do is press some buttons and it instantly is given to us.

Prayer is not a weapon to be used to hurt others.

Examples of what prayer is:
Prayer is relational. This means that prayer was meant to be a way for us to communicate with God, and Him with us.

Prayer is a lifestyle. It is a major part of an intimate relationship that God longs for us to have with Him daily as part of who we are.

Ok, so now we know some examples of what prayer is and is not, let's ask the question.... and state some reasons:

Why doesn't God answer my prayer/prayers?

1. Because we have a broken relationship. This broken relationship could be with a family member, a friend, your spouse- anyone. In Mark 11:24-25, Jesus says "I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too." (NLT) Maybe the broken relationship is with God Himself. There is a barrier there between you and Him, whether it has been there for years or just lately.

2. Because you don't really believe God will answer your prayers. There is a big difference in believing God can answer and God will answer.  Matthew 9:27-30 says "After Jesus left the girl's home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting,"Son of David, have mercy on us!" They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, "Do you believe I can make you see?" "Yes, Lord," they told him, "we do." Then he touched their eyes and said, "Because of your faith, it will happen" Then their eyes were opened, and they could see!" (NLT) This shows us that God responds to our faith.

3. Because God has something better for you. Maybe that is why He says no. Or maybe that is why He says not yet. Sometimes He even says are you kidding me? And then other times He is just .... silent. I John 5:14-15 says "And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for." (NLT)

If we will think in terms of God being a BIG God, not a medium sized God, but the God who created the heavens and the earth, the God that is the Alpha and Omega, the God that knows us even before the world was formed.... THAT God has a will and a way that is more amazing and bigger than any will that you or I have for our lives.

Maybe God says no to our prayer because He is trying to develop something in us. Sometimes, God's no is better than His yes. We need to learn to give God the right to say no to us. If we don't, we could end up angry and frustrated alot with our prayer life. Prayer is about surrendering what we want, to what God wants for us.

I want to end this with one more passage of scripture that Rev. Shaunte' talked about. It is found in the book of Daniel. The story of the three Hebrews that refused to bow down to the statue the King made, knowing they would be thrown into a fiery furnace if they did not bow. The King told them he would give them one more chance to bow down, and if they again refused, they would immediately be thrown into the blazing furnace. And what god would be able to rescue them from his power. Daniel 3:16-18 says, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if He doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." We still need to believe my friends even when God doesn't answer our prayers

So, let me ask you.....
How BIG is God to you?
How BIG is your faith that God can respond to?
How much time do you spend with Him in prayer intimately seeking His will for your life. Asking Him what He wants to give you, and not steering your own will or wants.

Father, I pray earnestly that everyone reading this today will have a better understanding of why things concerning prayer can go unanswered. I pray that your Word that was read here tonight will give us conviction of the daily intimatcy we have communicating with You. That we will believe and trust in You even when you are silent, tell us to wait or even say no. Make prayer a lifestyle in us. Thank you for each lesson learned by answered and unanswered prayers...

Amen