“Prayer” is uniquely human. Whether they realize it or not, everyone prays. Some address a deity, while others simply “wish” or seek “good vibes.” Yet the fact remains: at one time or another, every person prays. Still, remarkably few ever see genuine fruit from this most basic spiritual act.
Scripture declares that the God of the Bible answers prayer, unlike wishing, hoping, or sending requests into the universe. Yet we all know from experience that sometimes the things we ask for are not answered in the way we hoped. Does this mean God is fickle? Some assume He must be too busy for our “small” concerns, such as a prayer for a parking space. Neither is true. Jesus himself promised that whatever we ask in prayer, he will do. This raises an important question: what is prayer actually designed to accomplish?
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Comments
I have been praying for two years for pain to be relieved. Why does it take so long???? If Jesus can grant a parking space, then why two years for healing. I just don’t get it. No one has responded to my question.
Hi Wanda,
I’ll do my best to give a clear and honest response to your question.
We live in a fallen world where pain, sickness, and loss are still very real, and God has not yet removed all of that. He has promised that day is coming—but until then, those who love Him often live in the suffering of this present age. Jesus was honest about this reality. He told his followers that suffering would be part of this life, not a sign of God’s absence or disfavor. Scripture reminds us that this season is temporary: “After you have suffered a little while, [God] will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).
You are not alone in this waiting. Some of the most faithful people in the Bible cried out to God and had to wait—sometimes for years. Abraham waited a long time for the promise God gave him. Joseph prayed through long, dark days in prison. David prayed while running for his life. Even Jesus prayed in Gethsemane for the suffering to pass, yet still walked through it before glory came. Waiting was never a sign that God had turned away—it was part of how He was at work.
Healing, too, often involves more than prayer alone. Our bodies are fragile, and this world is broken. Sometimes healing comes slowly. Sometimes it includes rest, treatment, and time, because healing often unfolds within the physical limits of the body and the fallen conditions of this world. Prayer doesn’t ignore those realities—it invites God into every part of them.
This doesn’t make it easier or answer every “why.” But this matters: your unanswered prayer is not a failure—yours or God’s. God has not ignored you. He knows exactly what you’re carrying, and He cares deeply about your situation.
Prayer keeps you connected to a faithful Father who knows exactly what you’re carrying, even when His timing doesn’t make sense. When answers are slow, we hold firmly to what we know to be true about God rather than letting frustration grow from what we don’t yet understand.
I hope this brief explanation helps. Please don’t give up in prayer. Persevering prayer is not about forcing answers—it is about remaining anchored to God, trusting His heart, and continuing to bring everything to Him, even in the waiting.