Why do things sometimes stay the same, or even get worse, after praying?

I sometimes have an unusual experience.I looked at posts on other Christian sites, and see some other people have had this, too.Like, I'll hit something with prayer, and even from a few angles.{call in prayer lines,prayer boxes in churches,etc.}But soon after the prayers go up, I get a "reminder" that the problem is still there!!{And it's not lack of faith,because when I first started doing it,after hanging up from the prayer line, I felt good, believing that the problem was over}.But for example,if the prayer was to get a troublesome person out of my life,soon after I hung up from the prayer line,and happy believing that the problem was over,my cellphone rings, and when I look at the screen,whose number?The troublesome person!!{Was the first one who called after the prayer!}And in a few other categories.{I've even had where the problem wasn't "on me" at the moment, but after praying it reared it's head!!}So what's actually happening here?I can think of a well known tv pastor, who called for 30 days of prayer from his followers,to prevent a certain ungodly person to get elected, but the person still got elected!!{Yet the election 8 years later, I and many Christians prayed, and in that case their prayers were answered!!}{So it's not just me}So what's actually happening here?

 

[francina]

I sometimes have an unusual experience.I looked at posts on other Christian sites, and see some other people have had this, too.Like, I'll hit something with prayer, and even from a few angles.{call in prayer lines,prayer boxes in churches,etc.}But soon after the prayers go up, I get a "reminder" that the problem is still there!!{And it's not lack of faith,because when I first started doing it,after hanging up from the prayer line, I felt good, believing that the problem was over}.But if, for example,if the prayer was to get a troublesome person out of my life,soon after I hung up from the prayer line,and happy believing that the problem was over,my cellphone rings, and when I look at the screen,whose number?The troublesome person!!{Was the first one who called after the prayer!}And in a few other categories.{I'v even had where the problem wasn't "on me" at the moment, but after praying it reared it's head!!}So what's actually happening here?I can think of a well known tv pastor, who called for 30 days of prayer from his followers,to prevent a certain ungodly person to get elected, but the person still got elected!!{Yet the election 8 years later, I and many Christians prayed, and in that case their prayers were answered!!}{So it's not just me}So what's actually happening here?

The same question I always ask myself I also feel that way sometimes I feel my father has rejected me he has forgotten I am existing so very sad about this situation

 

[WingsofaDove]

We cannot tell God what to do. Sometimes he says, no, or not right now. He hears all prayers. But he sees all aspects. For example, pretend that I prayed, believing that I married my ex. Yet, God sees how deceitful the man really is, and he chooses to not answer the prayers for my own good. There are many reasons for unanswered prayers. It is not that he doesn't hear you. Elected officials are in power because God allows it.

 

[LadyLace]

I asked this question to another group not too long ago. Same problem. (Or is it?)

As far as elections go, if we consider the last election as an example, Proverbs 16:33: "We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall."

I know what you mean. I can give you an example through my own experience. Recently, I had been praying that a particular person would come back into my life. I prayed this every day for two years. They hung around, curious about me, but not making any attempts to reconcile, and when I tried, I was ignored. Then eventually, I got tired of it. I asked God, and I am paraphrasing, "If you have to work on this person or me for now, please just give me confirmation with a clear 'no' so that I can have peace and so that I can get my life together."

Then I prayed for what I thought I would never pray for, "Please, if it is your will, just separate us until it that time is over and just let me have faith in you." Well, long story short, I woke up in the middle of the night saying to myself, "God says 'no', for a while, so I can go on with peace." That person disappeared the next day and we were separated. What will come of that, I don't know, but if things aren't changing, sometimes you just need to give it up to God and get out of the way. Let him do his thing.

The reason I'm explaining this is because it's not always that we know what's best for ourselves, but God knows what's best for us, and sometimes we're praying for the wrong thing. I had been asking for the wrong thing, and I wondered for two years why God wasn't answering my prayer. I wondered God was even listening to begin with and wondered if my prayers were being misrouted (I am ashamed of that now) or if God even cared at all! Why was everything I was praying for going in the opposite direction? Was I being punished for something? Why does God so quickly answer other's prayers and while I felt like mine were just going down the toilet?

The one thing I have learned in my prayer life is that I need to ask God to change my heart and my mind to think the way that God wants me to think, and if it is according to his will, he will answer.

I'll tell you what I've learned through studying.

To Have Our Prayers Answered:

1. It must be according to his will

1 John 5:14 "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."

2. We need to be walking in the will of God

John 9:31 "We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will."

3. According to three, we need to be free from sin, which means, we must forgive others. (You want your prayers answered, you MUST forgive others.)

Mark 11:25 "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

4. Our intentions must be pure

James 4:3 "You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, in order that you may spend it on your pleasures."


I'm sure there's something I'm missing, but hopefully, that's a start or there's an answer in there for you somewhere.

 

[joykuse]

Lady Lace, These seem sufficient enough to keep us hopeful to receive whatever we need. One thing I have observed is forgiveness. It seems to open up happiness for you!

 

[joykuse]

I sometimes have an unusual experience.I looked at posts on other Christian sites, and see some other people have had this, too.Like, I'll hit something with prayer, and even from a few angles.{call in prayer lines,prayer boxes in churches,etc.}But soon after the prayers go up, I get a "reminder" that the problem is still there!!{And it's not lack of faith,because when I first started doing it,after hanging up from the prayer line, I felt good, believing that the problem was over}.But for example,if the prayer was to get a troublesome person out of my life,soon after I hung up from the prayer line,and happy believing that the problem was over,my cellphone rings, and when I look at the screen,whose number?The troublesome person!!{Was the first one who called after the prayer!}And in a few other categories.{I've even had where the problem wasn't "on me" at the moment, but after praying it reared it's head!!}So what's actually happening here?I can think of a well known tv pastor, who called for 30 days of prayer from his followers,to prevent a certain ungodly person to get elected, but the person still got elected!!{Yet the election 8 years later, I and many Christians prayed, and in that case their prayers were answered!!}{So it's not just me}So what's actually happening here?

Steven Bobb, I have also had the same question. My example is at the mall where I work. All the shops opposite and besides me seem to receive between 20 customers to 40 while I don't receive one at all and if I do, it is only between one and two and in a week or two! But as Lady Lace put it, let's use her tips i.e to forgive which I also believe opens up ways or sets people free.

 

[Basgatok]

GOD is faithful we need to Position our self be in line with GOD.
Remember we don't fight against flesh and blood but by the principalities of darkness,so the devil sometimes withhold our answers ( remember the story of the king of Persia)we need to fight until you receive the answer don't give up.
thank you for every encouragement you have put they are helping..

 

[The Encourager]

Someone told me, “Prayer Doesn’t Work”. My answer to them is "Prayer Works". Prayer moves the hand of God. God is not the Wizard of Oz, nor is God a Magician with a magic wand to grant our every wish and whim. God is not a good luck charm hanging on a cross on a necklace. God is not our personal glorified bellboy, nor is He a genie in the bottle. We can't conjure God up only when we feel we need Him to grant our commands or use Him as a credit card; nor will God allow us to.

We also play a part in God answering our prayers. A. W. Tozer stated: "Prayer will become effective when we stop using it as a substitute for obedience." Doing what we know is right, is better than praying for God to fix our wrong and make it right when we know what we are doing is wrong. God may not make it right. God may speak to our hearts to repent and get it right before He answers our prayers and make it right.

The Bible Tells Us…

James 5:16 (KJV): The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (Avail means advantage toward attainment of a goal or purpose.)

Psalm 37:4(KJV): Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Matthew 6:33-3 (KJV): But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Let’s Pray: God I ask You in Jesus’ name teach and instruct me through Your Word how to delight myself in You, seek first the Kingdom of God and Your righteousness, and live a righteous life. God, I can’t do this in my own strength. I need your help. I need Your strength. Help and strengthen me Lord Jesus to accomplish this awesome goal for my life. God all that I have asked of You in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of this prayer and all those I love and care about. God Thank You! Amen!


Encourager Linda Flagg, M.A., B.S., BCPCLC
Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach

 

[Jonathan Tara]

GOD is faithful we need to Position our self be in line with GOD.
Remember we don't fight against flesh and blood but by the principalities of darkness,so the devil sometimes withhold our answers ( remember the story of the king of Persia)we need to fight until you receive the answer don't give up.
thank you for every encouragement you have put they are helping..

This message is really helping. Why give up on God, while we never give up on our parents when we ask somethings.

 

[natasha2]

The same question I always ask myself I also feel that way sometimes I feel my father has rejected me he has forgotten I am existing so very sad about this situation

I am rejected from my brother to. Maybe your father is self sufficient person like my brother. He sais he doesnt need anyone, he goes out and have fun, have superficial relationships. It is like narcissistique spirit....