TWO REASONS FOR UNANSWERED PRAYERS

Christians make prayers to God everyday but not all are having their prayers answered. Many ask and ask, giving God a list of things to do in their life but no answer is coming forth. 

Scripture says we should ask and we shall receive but the truth is many do not receive what they ask. You've been calling out to God for an answer yet the answer is far away from you and then you think God is slacking in bringing to pass your prayers according to what His word says or maybe that particular scripture isn't true. No! 

If the Bible says ask and it will be given you, it will. It's not that God's word is not true. The problem is probably from you. You're not receiving because you're asking the wrong way. There must be something you aren't doing right. 

There are already set laws and principles we must follow to get what we want. Apparently, life is full of laws and principles and we must operate in accordance to those principles as to get results; whatsoever endeavor it may be. 

Same goes for the Word of God. We can't just have things done for us in this kingdom (the kingdom of God as Christians) or have things our way by just asking or desiring. We must follow principles and laws governing those dimensions we desire in other to access them. 

For instance, to bebborn again, you have to confess Christ with your mouth and believe Him in your heart (Romans 10:10). That's a principle for new birth. To always be in abundance, you have to practice giving. (Luke 6:38). It's a law. 

Even the law of carma is working for and against many individuals which is dependent on the cards of life they play.

Same goes with today's subject matter, prayer.

If you aren't getting answers to your prayers, then check if you're disobeying laws that fetch answers to prayer.

Here's what you need to scrutinise if you aren't getting answers to your prayers. There are other reasons but this article emphasizes on two alone.

YOUR MOTIVE FOR ASKING. 

Scripture says in James 4:3, "you ask and do not receive because you ask AMISS, THAT YOU MAY SPEND IT ON YOUR PLEASURES".

The synonym for the word "amiss" is "wrong", "improper" or "faulty". The above verse of the bible unfolds that we aren't receiving because of the improper and faulty way of asking. It also reveals that we don't get answers because of wrong motive. 

"...that you may spend it on your pleasures".

Our daily indulgence in activities is birthed from our motives and that includes prayer and our service to God.

You work and earn money to be able to pay bills. You get (or will get) married for a reason or reasons best known to you.

Even service to God is birthed from a motive. Not everyone that serves God serve Him because of love and passion for Him. Many christian folks are just after His hands (what they'll benefit), not His face and heart. WRONG MOTIVE. 

In the a same vein, different forms of prayer is produced from different motives. 

David, for example was a man after God's own heart. He was solely after God's heart not necessarily what he'll benefit. Now, watch all his prayers to God in the book of psalms and other passages. It was a reflection of his yearning and submissive heart towards God; always after pleasing God. RIGHT MOTIVE OF PRAYER. 

Solomon prayed for wisdom to lead his people right as King and it attracted God's blessings. 

RIGHT MOTIVE OF PRAYER. 

Solomon didn't ask for more wealth and affluence to intimidate other rulers of his time or to boast about it. Besides, God told him to ask anything he desired but he requested for something that will benefit the entire Israel. He had a genuine motive. 

But for many today, they'll use that opportunity to ask for something that will boost their egocentric lifestyle (money, influence, possessions). 

Are you always on your knees only to pray for something that satisfies your lustful and selfish desire?

You are asking God for financial breakthrough just to show it off or intimidate someone else. 

You're asking for a job because you want to prove a point. 

You're seeking the face of God for the function of a grace or gift upon your life because you want to be identified as someone who is close to God or attract fame and crowd. 

I'm sorry but that wrong motive alone has hindered you the answer you seek. 

Many are lusting and expect God to satisfy their lust, that's an error. God is holy and have nothing to do with lust or satisfying one's lustful desires. 

When I talk about lust, I don't mean sexual cravings alone. Anyone that is easily moved by physical things and craves for it at the detriment of his spirit man and God's will for your life is lustful. 

"Dear God, do not put me to shame. I cannot go before my relatives and friends with this old car and out-of-style clothes. Father bless me". That is pride praying. It may look okay in itself, but that prayer has "self and pride" written all over it.

"God, I need the grace of a Elijah for ministry" and then, your heart is panting for fame and wealth, not God and souls. That's where the problem is. Your 40 days or 1 year fasting might be in vain if you don't get your motive right.

"Jesus, I can't sleep. I want my own business or high paying job". Because your friend just got one. So, you let envy and covetousness rob you peace.

All those are examples of lustful desires of the heart. No wonder scripture says the heart of man is desperately wicked. Please, dear Christian, adopt the mind of Christ. 

In as much as an anointed man/woman of God attracts attention and blessings, it shouldn't be a criteria to ask God for it. The benefits will come on its own at the right time but first posses the right heart and motive for ministry; be focused on the visions and mandate given to you not the blessings that follow it. 

And for the fact you don't have the money to afford change of clothes, accessories, and all material luxuries doesn't mean it will remain that way. Learn to be patient. Learn to be content. Envy will only dry you up and covetousness will rid peace from you.

THE STATE OF YOUR HEART. 

Originally, in the sinful nature of man, a man's heart is self seeking and corrupt. Those who don't have the mind of Christ craves after things that only satisfies their corrupt and lustful desires and expect God to answer them. 

No, He won't. 

Why? 

That's because the flesh lust against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh. (Galatians 5:17). They are opposing to each other. They are in total enmity, so there's no way the spirit will satisfy what He has always been against. 

God is mostly interested in the gratification of your spirit man. This doesn't mean He's not after blessing us materially. He is. But only when it isn't for the wrong reasons. 

So, get your motives right. Desire and ask with the right reasons. Ensure none contradicts God's standard of love and selflessness. God only glories in the prayer of the righteous and the righteous heart doesn't entertain iniquity. (James 5:16b).

"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me". (Psalms 66:18)

"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save, nor His ear heavy that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He will not hear". (Isaiah 59:1)

You see! 

You're not getting answers because of the state of your heart which has to change.

You have to put on the mind of Christ as Philippians 2:5 says. "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ". The verse above it speaks against anything done out of selfish interest or pride. And that includes motive of prayer. "Let NOTHING be done through selfish ambition..." (verse 3).

You adopt the mind of Christ by studying God's word. I've learnt by experience that the Word has a way of reforming a man's mind. Your thoughts and desires begin to resemble the Word as you feast on it. That's the reason I emphasis on it so much. It really does wonders. 

Furthermore, avoid self centeredness. Be God centered and others centered too. If you're always after the will of God to be established on earth as it is in heaven, it will reflect in your prayer pattern. 

If you always think about other people, the "I, I" prayer from your lips won't be so much. If you're a selfless person, wishing to see the good of others, "God bless me" all the time will turn to "God save and bless this person or people".

As you pray for yourself and family, pray for others as well. Lift your thoughts above self and wrong motives. That's the culture of the kingdom we belong to as Christians. 

Pray for someone today. 

A life without Christ is a life full of troubles and problems. You can't successfully harness the benefits of Christ in and through prayer without Christ. You have to receive Him as Lord over your life and surrender your all to Him. You must be born again.

If you aren't, just say this prayer of salvation: Lord Jesus, come into my heart. I receive you today as my Lord and Saviour. Forgive me of all my sins as I repent today. I receive Your Spirit and grace over my life.

Thank You Lord for saving me. In Jesus' Name.

If you made that prayer consciously, Congratulations. You are now born again.

Now, live your live the rest of your life please g the Lord and leading the right life. 

You can also send me a message or share your experience via my social media handle.

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Email@ favourcc0@gmail.com

God bless you.