WHY IS SO MUCH PRAYER NEVER ANSWERED?

Because we center on the problem and not on God. We tell God what to do. We talk about only the problem and not about the greatness of God. We tend to talk in terms of "me" and "I". We don't talk or think about God, just ourselves and our troubles. We begin our prayers with both hands out, and we still have them out when we finish our prayers. Unfortunately when most people pray there is no praise being spoken. No thankfulness being given. No glory being expressed. No honor or adoration being shown.

James understood this pitfall of incorrect praying when he wrote James 4:3. "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly". So tell God the problem and then focus on God. God can't wait to solve your problems. God loves to work out difficulties in our lives and if you keep your focus on God, then one way or another he will solve that problem. This is what the Lord meant when he proclaimed in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give your rest."

Also, we tend to burn out when our prayers are aimed at negative things that we are trying to avoid. If all we do is talk to God about how horrible and terrible our problem is, then all we do is become more depressed, and get more discouraged. We become more agitated and we have more anxiety. Then the problem becomes bigger and bigger and as it grows it takes on a life of its own. What God wants us to do most is focus on positive aspects and powers of God. Think about how God is all powerful and all knowing. Focus on his amazing attributes and qualities. Describe his wonderful characteristics. Read passages from the Bible which describe the greatness of God and his ability to do absolutely incredible things. Think about our God who is able to do everything from walk on water to raise the dead, and then ask yourself if he is not able to solve your problem?
Also read a few Bible passages that describe God helping people out of extremely difficult situations. Tell God how loving and wonderful he is and that he has only your best interests at heart and that his solution to the problem may be so much better than the solution you would like to see happen. In other words don't pray to the problem, pray to the solution of that problem. Because when you focus on God, God will focus on your problem. Remember God is a solution centered being and he can solve any problem - just put your complete faith and trust in him. For when you pray to God, he hears much more than your words. He is also listening to your heart.

WHY WE SHOULD TRUST GOD

• My God is right here all the time.
• My God loves me unconditionally.
• My God will listen to me.
• He will help me.
• He will hear me.
• He will give me peace.
• He will solve my problems.
• He keeps his promises.