Christians believe God hears prayer and responds. Sometimes circumstances change in ways we prayed for. Sometimes the answer takes much longer than we expected, and sometimes what we asked for does not happen. Prayer is a relationship with God, and it gives us no formula for controlling the outcome.
The Bible is honest about long periods of unanswered prayer. Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed for a child for decades. Paul repeatedly asked God to remove what he called a thorn in his flesh, but it remained. Their faithfulness did not earn the answer they wanted, and unanswered prayer was not proof that they had failed.
Living with an unanswered prayer can be painful. At The Lakes Church, we do not blame people for lacking faith or offer a tidy reason for their suffering. You can tell God that you are disappointed, angry or confused. You can keep asking, and you can also seek practical help and let other people pray and stand with you.
Prayer also works in us. It helps us notice God’s presence, surrender our plans, receive courage and become available to love other people. Sometimes God provides through a conversation, a doctor, a meal, a friend or a decision we need to make. Even when we do not understand the answer, we can keep the conversation with God open.
If you have questions, you can ask us anything at https://thelakes.org.au/contact-us/