Prayer and hearing God
Why doesn't God answer my prayers?
Short answer
God hears every prayer. Sometimes His answer is yes, sometimes no, sometimes wait, and sometimes we can't yet see what He is doing.
This is one of the most painful parts of faith, especially when someone you prayed for wasn't healed. The Psalms keep asking: how long, Lord? Jesus prayed in the garden for the cup to pass, and the answer was no.
It doesn't mean God doesn't care, or that you lacked faith. Paul begged three times for his thorn to go. God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.”
Sometimes God's answer is better than our request. Sometimes it takes years. Sometimes we won't understand until we see Him face to face.
Keep praying. Jesus told of a widow who kept asking, so that we would not give up. Tell God honestly how you feel, disappointment included. That is prayer too.
My verses
How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me?
“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.”
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart.
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.