God’s Promises to Hear and Answer Prayer:
Jeremiah 33:3
Matthew 7:7-8
1 John 5:14
Psalm 34:17
1. The Perplexing Reality of Unanswered Prayer
Even saints who walk closely with God experience the anguish of seemingly unanswered prayer. Scripture does not shy away from this reality.
• Psalm 13:1
• Job 30:20
• Lamentations 3:8
Yet even this pain has been felt by our Lord:
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me…” (Matthew 26:39)
Even Jesus, in His humanity, prayed with passion and tears, and the cup was not taken away. But His prayer was heard, even if not answered in the way He asked.
As John Newton said, “When the Lord delays in answering prayer, it is not because He is indifferent or unaware, but because He has a perfect purpose.”
2. The Possible Reasons behind Unanswered Prayer
God’s delays are never arbitrary. In His wisdom and sovereignty, He may withhold or delay an answer for various reasons:
2.1 For our Sanctification and Growth in Faith
• James 1:3-4
• Romans 5:3-5
2.2 Because of Unconfessed Sin or Disobedience
• Psalm 66:18
• Isaiah 59:1–2
2.3 Because the Request is not according to His Will
• 1 John 5:14
• James 4:3
2.4 Because of Divine Timing
• Ecclesiastes 3:11
• Habakkuk 2:3
3. The Proper Response to Unanswered Prayer
3.1 Continue in Faithful, Persevering Prayer• Luke 18:1 “…they ought always to pray and not lose heart.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”
3.2 Examine Your Heart
• Psalm 139:23–24
• Lamentations 3:40
3.3 Submit to God’s Sovereign Will
• Matthew 6:10
• Job 13:15
3.4 Trust God’s Character, not just His Answers
• Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good…”
• Isaiah 30:18 “Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you… blessed are all those who wait for Him.”