What If Our Prayers Aren’t Answered?

“Prayer pulls the rope below and the great bell rings above in the ears of God.  Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly; others give but an occasional pluck at the rope; but he who wins with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continuously, with all his might.”
Charles Spurgeon

(pg. 51 – 40 DPC Book)

We were honored that Dr. Charles Stanley, one of the foremost theologians in the world, was staying as a guest in our home. I had so many questions to ask him over dinner, but one in particular was prominently on my mind.

“What if my prayers aren’t answered?”[1]

“You must persevere,” he said. “You must continue praying, regardless of whether you see immediate results or not, because the longer you intercede for a situation, or for another person, the more tightly your heart will be knitted to God.”

Speaking with the tender certainly of a loving grandfather, Dr. Stanley continued, “Prayer binds us together with the Father, with a spiritual bond that lasts into eternity. Therefore, endure in your loving, compassionate, hopeful supplication for others, and always be confident that: ‘The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.’”[2]

When you speak, believe, and expect the beneficial outcome of your prayer, you are being effective. As an ordinary person who serves an extraordinary God, He will make your prayers powerful.

[1] Dr. Charles Stanley: Personal interview; 6/2/10

[2] James 5:16; NASB