When the Answer is No

Have you ever prayed and not get your prayer answered? How do you react to that? You
have put your tears and whole heart and soul into your request to God. You may have 
even fasted. Yet God does not answer it. Do you turn away? Do you get mad at God? Do 
you feel as though God wasn't really listening?

What is prayer? Simply put, prayer is communicating with God. But remember, communication 
is a two way street. When we pray, we must also learn to hear. God is the Creator of the 
Universe, the ultimate authority. Sometimes when we ask, His answer is 'no' or 'not now'. 
And just like children, we pout and have spiritual temper tantrums because we didn't get 
our way. 

We talk with God, we praise Him, we make our request, we ask for help. Sometimes He does, 
and sometimes He doesn't. But just because He doesn't, doesn't mean He doesn't care. It 
just means the He knows what is best for us. Perhaps what you are asking for isn't the 
best for you. Perhaps He HAS answered, just not in the way you wanted Him to.

Our prayer time with God needs to be open communication. When prayers do not seem to be
answered, we need to ask God to open our minds and hearts to understand why. Remember 
when you were a child and your parents told you 'no' to a certain thing you wanted? They 
were also trying to tell you why you couldn't have it but you were so busy crying and pouting 
and being mad that you didn't hear them. It's no different with God. 

Next time it appears that your prayer is not being answered, sit quietly in His presence and 
listen. Just be honest about what you're feeling. Tell God that you are disappointed, then ask
Him how you should pray. He will tell you.