Biblical Answer

Understanding the Purpose of Prayer

The question of why God doesn't answer prayer is a common concern for many believers. However, the Bible teaches us that the purpose of prayer is not to get answers from God, but to have perfect and complete oneness with Him (Psalm 27:4). When we pray, we are not just asking God to do something for us, but we are seeking to deepen our relationship with Him. This understanding changes our approach to prayer, from a transactional "give me this" to a relational "help me understand You."

The Nature of God's Answer

When we pray, God always answers, but the answer is not always what we expect. Sometimes, the answer is yes, but other times, it is no. However, we tend to insult God's intelligence when we don't get the answer we want by failing to consider the no as an answer. The Bible teaches us that God's answer is not always a physical or tangible one, but it can be a spiritual one. For example, Jesus warns us that simple unbelief can lead to prayerlessness and failure to receive answers from God (James 4:2). This means that our faith and trust in God's Word are essential conditions for receiving answers to our prayers.

Faith and Trust in God's Word

The Bible teaches us that God is a God of faith and trust, and He expects the same from us. When we pray, we must do so with faith and trust in His Word, not just our own desires. Jesus teaches us that we don't receive certain things because we don't ask for them (James 4:2). This means that our prayers must be grounded in God's Word and not just our own opinions or desires. By understanding the purpose of prayer, the nature of God's answer, and the importance of faith and trust in God's Word, we can approach prayer with a deeper understanding of God's character and our own role in prayer. We can learn to trust God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we don't get the answers we want.