Introduction

Even if we overcome all the hindrances to prayer, there is one that almost always discourages people from praying — unanswered prayers! How do we deal with that problem? Let us assume that someone prays sincerely and fervently, but God does not answer. Or, it takes a long time. Sometimes the answer is even different or it’s totally opposite to what he or she prayed for. What then? This experience can be very discouraging and disorienting. No wonder some people stop praying altogether. How can we overcome this problem? Matthew 6:9-13 (also known as “The Lord’s Prayer”) contains four insights that can help us persevere in prayer.

Four Insights On Prayer

1. God’s sovereignty works differently. (9-10) We all know that God is sovereign. But often we misunderstand what that means. We think being sovereign means being in control of everything. God doesn’t need to be in control in order to be sovereign. In fact, He is still sovereign even though He doesn’t seem to be in control of everything. This is why we are told to pray, “May your kingdom come and your will be done.” Not everything goes according to what He wants. And yet He is still sovereign (notice the additional phrase in verse 13). Sometimes our prayers are unanswered because He doesn’t want to force His will upon people or situations. They are free, responsible, and accountable for their decisions. But, in the end, His ultimate purpose will be accomplished regardless of people’s decisions.
2. God works as we work. (11) We ask God for things but He expects us to work it out according to His power and grace that is at work in us. God is not a genie who gives magical gifts to those who ask. We have a responsibility to cooperate with God in fulfilling His answer to our prayers. As we work, we realize it is His grace that enables us to work.
3. God wants us to work on our relationships first. (12) Often we are interested in getting what we want, even at the expense of our relationships. We want to win or succeed, but we don’t want to learn how to love and forgive, which is far more important to God than the things we ask for. Often, our prayers are unanswered because He wants us to resolve relational issues first.
4. God works through difficulties to form our character. (13) We can ask God not to lead us to the test, but often He allows difficulties to form our character. He would permit certain experiences to happen so that we can be transformed into the image and likeness of His Son who learned obedience through suffering.

Conclusion

1. Main Idea: “God always answers but we don’t always listen.”
2. God’s answers can often be more life-transforming than what we ask for in prayer.
3. Listen to God’s answers in your heart and you will learn how to persevere in prayer.

Discussion

1. How do you usually react when God doesn’t seem to answer your prayers?
2. What have you learned that can help you persevere in prayer?
3. What would you do differently now that you know this?