Why do the vast majority of prayers offered up by those within Institutional Christendom go unanswered? How can this be when the Lord promised to hear and answer the prayers of His people–those who are called by His name? Being the God who “cannot lie,” why doesn’t He do what He promised to do? The stock answer is: “Sometimes He says ‘No’.” Though this excuse makes for a good religious sound byte, it is not what God said. If He does say “No,” as is proclaimed by the billions whose prayers are not answered, where do we find Him admitting this in His Holy Word? Many point to the Apostle Paul’s confession that He asked the Lord three times to take away the spirit that hounded him throughout his ministry, only to have his request denied each time. Paul explained that God’s answer had been “No” each time because he (Paul) tended to be proud of his ministerial accomplishments. According to him, God gave him the hindering spirit to humble him and make him ever aware of his total dependence on his Maker. The apostle readily admitted that he had a pride problem, that he needed the spirit to keep him in line, and that God was right in sending it. Paul’s explanation of prayer failure applies only to those whose lives reflect his. How many can make such a claim?

So, what is the answer to the “Why” question? As is always the case when dealing with the Lord, the answer lies within His Word. Let us turn to 2 Chronicles where He plainly explains why He refuses to answer the prayers of most church people. In Chapter 6 we find King Solomon speaking with the Lord about the Temple he has just finished building in Jerusalem. Now he would dedicate the Temple with all the pomp and ceremony befitting such a structure that had been designed to please the Creator of the universe. Following the ceremony the glory of the Lord filled the building. It was so glorious the priests could not stand. Following this part of the festivities, Solomon prayed a prayer befitting such an observance.  In chapter 7 we find that the dedication ceremony went on for 7 days as the final touches were applied.

In 7:12-15 we find the Lord speaking to Solomon in the night, telling him that He had heard the king’s prayer. Then, beginning with verse 13, we read the warning the Almighty issued to Solomon and the people of Israel: “If I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or if I command locusts to destroy the crops, or if I send disease among My people, if My people, who are called by My name, will HUMBLE THEMSELVES (get rid of pride), AND PRAY, AND SEEK MY FACE (His presence in their lives) AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS (get sin out of their lives), THEN (and only then) I WILL HEAR (their prayers) FROM HEAVEN, FORGIVE THEIR SINS AND HEAL THEIR LAND. THEN (and only then) MY EYES WILL BE OPEN, AND MY EARS WILL BE ATTENTIVE TO THEIR PRAYERS ….” Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26 are invaluable in determining why prayers are not answered. Now let us go to the New Testament in search of a similar statement. We find such a pronouncement in 1 Peter 3:12: “For the eyes of the Lord are over the RIGHTEOUS and His ears are open to their PRAYERS; BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THEM THAT DO EVIL.” Enough said. L.J.