Expert: Dr. Ronald E. Shultz - 11/27/2006

Question
It seems like all my prayers are being unanswered. What might I be doing wrong and what can I do to have my prayers answered?

Answer
Well, that can be tough to say since I don't know you or the kind of prayers you have been praying.   I did a series on prayer using the acronym ACTS.  If you go to www.sermoncentral.com and search under my name you can find those and they may be of some help to you.  

Actually, all of your prayers have been answered but it would appear not in the way you desired.  Even what may seem like No right now may only be a Wait or Later answer.

Garth Brooks had it wrong when he sang, "sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers".  They were answered NO and it was for the best as he later found out.

Generic questions to ask yourself might be;

To the best of my kowledge is all known sin confessed?
Am I more concerned about the goodies than the Giver?
Am I spending consistent quality time with Him in prayer and study?
Am I exercising the gifts He gave me at salvation?
Am I faithful at church?
Am I faithful in tithing?
Am I faithful in using the witnessing opportunities He gives me?
Is what I am asking for a selfish reason?
Is what I am asking in direct opposition of a Scriptural known will of God?
Have I discussed these requests with my Pastor in case I am unaware of a command of God that I might be going against with these prayers?
Will a positive answer to these prayers put me in a closer relationship to God or would it have the potential of moving me in the opposite direction?

Many times what might be intrinsically a good or even neutral thing for others might just be bad for you and God knows that and says NO to protect you.  

Jobs and money which are good things can go bad if they will take you away from Church, quiet times, exercising your gift, etc.  Sometimes a minimum wage job is better for a person spiritually than a high salaried one.  Why do you need more money?  Do you have legitimate needs or just want more stuff so that you can join the group that believes he that dies with the most toys wins?  God will usually say NO, NO, NO to that kind of desire.  Even if your desires are good the ultimate end of the job may turn out all bad.  I have taken a few cuts in pay to get out of a bad situation yet all my needs were still met and some of my wants.  

I think if you look at my studies on prayer and seek honest answers to the generic questions you will have better insight to the concept of prayer. Also, by submitting to the God who loves you and knows you better than you know yourself you can thank Him for NOs and Waits as much as Yes answers.

May God grant you great wisdom as you see His will through His Word!