REASONS FOR UNANSWERED PRAYER
A. Cursing God’s People – Deut.23:4-5; Josh. 24:10 Cp. Moses Deut. 3:23-27; Num. 20:10-12
rebels; 27:12-14 (failed to sanctify God; became “I”). Cp. Psa. 106:32-33 Why? Note:
B. Fighting God’s Anointed – Psa. 18:41 “the LORD – answered them not”
C. Development – Job 30:20 Cp. Job 42:12 and 2 Cor. 12:8-9
D. Rebellion Against God – Deut. 1:40-46 Cp. Num. 14:40-45 - Stubbornness won’t change God
E. Lack of Faith – Mat. 17:19-21; James 1:5-8 Note: This handcuffed God’s “mighty works” [dunamis] (Mat. 13:54-58; Mark 6:1-6) – which included His family. They belittled His ministry (Mark 3:31-35; Mat. 12:46-50; Luke 8:19-21). Romans 3:3, is key. Use belief to overcome unbelief (Mark 9:24).
F. Different Will than Ultimate Plan – Mat. 26:39, 42, 44, 45-75; David’s desire to build God a house (1 Chron. 17:1-4, 11-12; 22:8-10; 28:2-3, 6; 2 Chron. 6:7-10; 1 Kings 5:3-5; 8:18-20; Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7-10)
Note: It’s been debated whether God hears a sinner’s prayer (Psa. 51:1-17; Dan. 9:3-19; Luke 18:11-14; 23:39, 42). If they still have a sinful will, it’s different (Isa. 59:1-2; Ezek. 14:13-14) – God’s won’t make you be saved. Consider those ‘forbid to pray’ (Jer. 14:10- 11) and the ‘ring of pastors’ in Cleveland in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s (Psa. 55:23).
G. So God Can Be Gracious – Isa. 30:18
H. Not Reconciled with Brother – Mat. 5:22-23 Note: Job received double when he prayed for his ‘friends’ (Job 42:10).
I. Husband-Wife Relationship – 1. If Husband divorces his wife without just cause – Mal. 2:13-17 2. If Husband fails to dwell according to knowledge and honor her – 1 Pet. 3:7
J. Regard [to see; i.e. look at, perceive, consider] Iniquity In The Heart – Psa. 66:18 Note: In contrast, the LORD recompensed/rewarded David because of his righteousness, cleanness, and he kept himself from his iniquity (2 Sam., 22:21-25; Psa. 18:18-24).
K. Wickedness (morally wrong; bad) – Prov. 15:8, 29
L. Turned Ear From Hearing Law [Torah hrwt] – Prayer Is Abomination – Prov. 28:9
M. Ask “Amiss” [S:2560 kakos] Based on “Lusts” [S:2237 hedone] – James 4:3 Note: The word “Amiss” is S:2560 kakos (kak-oce’); meaning badly. In the KJV: amiss, diseased, evil, grievously, miserably, sick, sore. “Lusts” is S:2237 hedone (hay-don-ay’); meaning sensual delight; or by implication, desire. In the KJV: lust, pleasure.
N. Pharisee Showtime – Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47 ‘long prayer’; 18:11-14 ‘exalted’ Note: “Pretence” in Mark 12:40 is an outward showing; from pro, “fore” or “in front of” + phaino, “to lighten” or “show”. See: X. EXAMPLES OF WRONG PRAYER.
O. Appear To Pray – Mat. 6