119. Why are not all our prayers answered?

Why are not all our prayers answered? For various reasons. Some of our prayers are not answered because we ourselves are not right with God and in a position where God can wisely answer prayer.

Some of them are not answered because they are not offered in the name of Jesus Christ, that is, in dependence upon His claims upon God and not in dependence upon our own. We have no claims upon God. If we approach Him on the ground of our own merit we will get nothing.

Some of our prayers are not answered because they are not wise, and therefore are not in accordance with the will of God (1 John 5:14-15).

Some of our prayers are not answered because we do not persist in prayer (Luke 11:5-10; Luke 18:1-8).

James says (4:2,3): “Ye have not because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not because ye ask amiss.”