Prayer doesn't work

[SportsJunkie25]

I've been praying for God to lead me in the right direction for over 2 years and nothing. I get nothing from him?? What's the point in praying? I feel like I'm wasting my time. Why is God ignoring me? I'm trying to seek His guidance and do what He wants me to do in my life but He's ignoring me. I feel like giving up. What's the point in praying if I'm going to be ignored? I could just not pray and get the same results...

Also, what's the point in denying myself things I want to do (in the name of God) if God is not going to help me and guide me through my life? I might as well do what I want to do. He's not helping me anyway...

 

[MrSmooth10]

Your Father knows whats best. Sometimes when you pray he might see a different perspective for your situation. All your prayers won't be answer right away it takes patience

 

[SportsJunkie25]

Your Father knows whats best. Sometimes when you pray he might see a different perspective for your situation. All your prayers won't be answer right away it takes patience

Then why won't He show me the different perspective? I've prayed for that, too and...nothing. Absolutely nothing. I think over 2yrs is plenty of patience. If He can't show me anything in 2 years then I feel as if I'm wasting my time. And, I'm sure I'm not alone. At least I tried...

 

[green wolverine]

I've been praying for God to lead me in the right direction for over 2 years and nothing. I get nothing from him?? What's the point in praying? I feel like I'm wasting my time. Why is God ignoring me? I'm trying to seek His guidance and do what He wants me to do in my life but He's ignoring me. I feel like giving up. What's the point in praying if I'm going to be ignored? I could just not pray and get the same results...

Also, what's the point in denying myself things I want to do (in the name of God) if God is not going to help me and guide me through my life? I might as well do what I want to do. He's not helping me anyway...

It looks to me like you have a warped view of God seeing Him as there to meet your needs only rather than you worshipping Him as the great and holy Creator of all that exists.

I noticed that you say The Purpose Driven Life is your favorite book. Here's a great clip explaining why that approach to God leaves people so empty and wanting as you express so aptly.

YouTube - MacArthur on the Purpose Driven Life

 

[SportsJunkie25]

It looks to me like you have a warped view of God seeing Him as there to meet your needs only rather than you worshipping Him as the great and holy Creator of all that exists.

I noticed that you say The Purpose Driven Life is your favorite book. Here's a great clip explaining why that approach to God leaves people so empty and wanting as you express so aptly.

YouTube - MacArthur on the Purpose Driven Life

Maybe it's just me but I think most people, if they're honest, want something from God. How can you just go around worshipping someone who hasn't really answered a prayer for you? How are you supposed to be 100% sure that He exists? Just believe b/c other people tell you too? Um...no. I'm thankful that Jesus died for my sins but I also want my prayers answered...seeing as the Bible says He answers those who are faithful to Him. And, what am I supposed to think if I'm faithful, and He doesn't answer my prayers? Exactly what I'm thinking now...

About the book, yes, I love that book but I read that book on top of my other beliefs: accepting Jesus, repenting, living according to the Holy Spirit, etc. I didn't look at the book as in the way to get to Heaven. I read that book on how to better your life, once you have the basics of Christianity down.

 

[wonderwaleye]

I've been praying for God to lead me in the right direction for over 2 years and nothing. I get nothing from him?? What's the point in praying? I feel like I'm wasting my time. Why is God ignoring me? I'm trying to seek His guidance and do what He wants me to do in my life but He's ignoring me. I feel like giving up. What's the point in praying if I'm going to be ignored? I could just not pray and get the same results...

Also, what's the point in denying myself things I want to do (in the name of God) if God is not going to help me and guide me through my life? I might as well do what I want to do. He's not helping me anyway...

Why don't you tell JESUS that when you go for JUDGEMENT.



Tell HIM HE wasted HIS breath when HE gave us the LORD'S PRAYER.



BECAUSE THAT IS JUST WHAT YOU ARE SAYING TO US!!!


Would you believe that even in this, JESUS still LOVED us. Why? I don't really know other than GOD'S LOVE for us gentiles and wanted to give us a way we could be SAVED.



LOVE


steven

 

[SportsJunkie25]

Why don't you tell JESUS that when you go for JUDGEMENT.



Tell HIM HE wasted HIS breath when HE gave us the LORD'S PRAYER.



BECAUSE THAT IS JUST WHAT YOU ARE SAYING TO US!!!


Would you believe that even in this, JESUS still LOVED us. Why? I don't really know other than GOD'S LOVE for us gentiles and wanted to give us a way we could be SAVED.



LOVE


steven

Lol. I guess I will. Nah, but in all seriousness...if prayer really worked, why does everyone need convincing? Well, not everyone..."most" people. Why does this whole Christianity thing have to be so confusing? What's the point? If we choose to believe, have faith and try to live our lives for God...what's with all the drama? I pray...I should have my prayers answered in some way or another. So what if I pray for something and I don't get it...that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about praying and not getting an answer...at all.

If I shouldn't get what I prayed for...that's fine with me. But, I prayed for guidance so if you don't get what I've asked for, surely I should be lead in another direction? Right? Not just hung out to dry? But nooooo...I've wasted overs 2 years of my life "waiting" and nothing happens. This is what has pretty much pushed me over the edge and I'm like...forget it. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. I've tried. I've put for the effort and I can rest with that.

 

[wonderwaleye]

Lol. I guess I will. Nah, but in all seriousness...if prayer really worked, why does everyone need convincing? Well, not everyone..."most" people. Why does this whole Christianity thing have to be so confusing? What's the point? If we choose to believe, have faith and try to live our lives for God...what's with all the drama? I pray...I should have my prayers answered in some way or another. So what if I pray for something and I don't get it...that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about praying and not getting an answer...at all.

If I shouldn't get what I prayed for...that's fine with me. But, I prayed for guidance so if you don't get what I've asked for, surely I should be lead in another direction? Right? Not just hung out to dry? But nooooo...I've wasted overs 2 years of my life "waiting" and nothing happens. This is what has pretty much pushed me over the edge and I'm like...forget it. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. I've tried. I've put for the effort and I can rest with that.

It's all because you have yet to become ANOINTED by GOD with HIS HOLY SPIRIT. ( BORN AGAIN-SAVED )



In order for this to happen you MUST GIVE IT ALL TO GOD





GOD demands that you give HIM your WHOLE heart, mind, strength, and soul. That means you go in prayer and tell GOD that you will do this and from that moment on seek GOD in all your decisions. After this is complete GOD will know. For HE searches the heart. HE will then send HIS HOLY SPIRIT ( ANOINTED-BORN AGAIN- SAVED ). For it is then that you shall receive the MISSION GOD has for just you and supply all your needs, even what you have not the ability to have.






Pick up GOD'S ROAD MAP to the KINGDOM of ALMIGHTY GOD ( BIBLE ) and start reading the NEW TESTIMENT till the next time you read it you will already know what IT'S going to say. For then it's locked in your heart to draw from for the rest of your life. You will NEVER be sorry you did.



GOD LOVES you and wants you to be part of HIS KINGDOM. In fact look at just what happens when you become ANOINTED:






1 JohnChapter 2







20 But you have the anointing that comes from the holy one, and you all have knowledge.

21 I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.

26 I write you these things about those who would deceive you.




27 As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, so that you do not need anyone to teach you. But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false; just as it taught you, remain in him.




This is exactly what you want from GOD.







Do yourself a BIG FAVOR and Start right now!!!



LOVE


steven

 

[liftmeup]

Well you've told us little or nothing about your life and what is going on. We have no idea if you are just missing it. Perhaps God really is answering your prayers and you're not seeing it. Sometimes God puts us through rough times too. This is for our purification and to develop better qualities - ultimately for our very own good...

 

[suzybeezy]

I've been praying for God to lead me in the right direction for over 2 years and nothing. I get nothing from him?? What's the point in praying? I feel like I'm wasting my time. Why is God ignoring me? I'm trying to seek His guidance and do what He wants me to do in my life but He's ignoring me. I feel like giving up. What's the point in praying if I'm going to be ignored? I could just not pray and get the same results...

Also, what's the point in denying myself things I want to do (in the name of God) if God is not going to help me and guide me through my life? I might as well do what I want to do. He's not helping me anyway...

I literally had this conversation last night! I was talking with my daughter who is questioning why her prayers aren't feeling answered. I'll share with you some thoughts I shared with her as thoughts you may also consider.

First of all, God doesn't necessarily answer our prayers the way we want them answered. Sometimes God says NO! Sometimes He says WAIT! Sometime He says I WANT TO SEE SOME GROWTH IN YOU FIRST! There are lots of ways God will answer a prayer and sometimes its with a closed door. We cannot begin to truly understand His ways, but He DOES answer our prayers.

Secondly, my daughter said she ask for similiar to your prayer, to show her the path He has for her, yet I am well aware that He has put His finger on something in her life that she has yet to surrender. I ask her, How can you expect God to answer you, when you're ignoring him?

Lastly, often God uses our prayers and time to develop things like faith and that can sometimes take time. Its hard to imagine that He would answer your prayers when you're still questioning the power of prayer. My husband found out in Jan that he'd be loosing his job. But I believe with all of my heart that God will provide another job for him. It is that faith and continued prayer that WILL be answered - I have no doubt. But that faith has taken time to develop. Unfortunately yes, it may take 2 years or even more, but you have to believe that He will answer your prayers - just be aware it may not be answered the way you are lookin' for. And one may say, I'm tired of waiting, but the reward and the relationship you develop with God through that journey is amazing and well worth the wait.

 

[SportsJunkie25]

It's all because you have yet to become ANOINTED by GOD with HIS HOLY SPIRIT. ( BORN AGAIN-SAVED )

Uuumm...not true! You're assuming. I am saved...and born-again. This is not entirely directed at you (<--you just trigger a flashback) but I get sick of people telling other people that they must not be saved (or doing something wrong) when they question things like prayer or Christianity. I know plenty of people who have questioned things...this doesn't make un-saved so to speak. I think it's healthy to question things. If you're not questioning things, you're a robot...in my eyes. We need to learn how to make decisions for ourselves. Questions are a good thing.

Well you've told us little or nothing about your life and what is going on. We have no idea if you are just missing it. Perhaps God really is answering your prayers and you're not seeing it. Sometimes God puts us through rough times too. This is for our purification and to develop better qualities - ultimately for our very own good...

Check out some of my other threads. You'll get a great sense as to what I'm talking about.

I literally had this conversation last night! I was talking with my daughter who is questioning why her prayers aren't feeling answered. I'll share with you some thoughts I shared with her as thoughts you may also consider.

First of all, God doesn't necessarily answer our prayers the way we want them answered. Sometimes God says NO! Sometimes He says WAIT! Sometime He says I WANT TO SEE SOME GROWTH IN YOU FIRST! There are lots of ways God will answer a prayer and sometimes its with a closed door. We cannot begin to truly understand His ways, but He DOES answer our prayers.

Secondly, my daughter said she ask for similiar to your prayer, to show her the path He has for her, yet I am well aware that He has put His finger on something in her life that she has yet to surrender. I ask her, How can you expect God to answer you, when you're ignoring him?

Lastly, often God uses our prayers and time to develop things like faith and that can sometimes take time. Its hard to imagine that He would answer your prayers when you're still questioning the power of prayer. My husband found out in Jan that he'd be loosing his job. But I believe with all of my heart that God will provide another job for him. It is that faith and continued prayer that WILL be answered - I have no doubt. But that faith has taken time to develop. Unfortunately yes, it may take 2 years or even more, but you have to believe that He will answer your prayers - just be aware it may not be answered the way you are lookin' for. And one may say, I'm tired of waiting, but the reward and the relationship you develop with God through that journey is amazing and well worth the wait.

1st bold: How do I know this is not just an excuse for unanswered prayers? Everyone always says, well, maybe he is answering your prayers. Unless I have the I.Q. of 0...He's not answering my prayers. I don't even consider it a big request...just show me what you want me to do with my life? How hard is that to answer? At least I want some guidance. Most people my age could care less...they do what they want to do. Which is what I'm about to do...b/c caring has obviously gotten me nowhere. Sadly...

2nd bold: Perhaps there is 1 more thing God wants me to completely give up? But, I've yet to give it up, 100&#37;, b/c He hasn't provided me w/ a substitute. I don't feel like giving it up and being lonely and bored. I feel as if He really wanted me to give it up, He'd provide something, in return, to help me. And sense he hasn't, maybe it's not that big of a deal...maybe he really doesn't care and I'm just over-thinking the situation. If you want to know what I'm talking about, PM me and I'll tell you...then you can tell me what you think

But, sense when doesn't God answer prayers b/c you haven't given EVERYTHING up? He answers other people's prayers. I've given up mostly everything...what's the big deal? So if I don't give up everything, He'll never answer another prayer? If so, that's ridiculous!

 

[wonderwaleye]

Uuumm...not true! You're assuming. I am saved...and born-again. This is not entirely directed at you (<--you just trigger a flashback) but I get sick of people telling other people that they must not be saved (or doing something wrong) when they question things like prayer or Christianity. I know plenty of people who have questioned things...this doesn't make un-saved so to speak. I think it's healthy to question things. If you're not questioning things, you're a robot...in my eyes. We need to learn how to make decisions for ourselves. Questions are a good thing.



Check out some of my other threads. You'll get a great sense as to what I'm talking about.



1st bold: How do I know this is not just an excuse for unanswered prayers? Everyone always says, well, maybe he is answering your prayers. Unless I have the I.Q. of 0...He's not answering my prayers. I don't even consider it a big request...just show me what you want me to do with my life? How hard is that to answer? At least I want some guidance. Most people my age could care less...they do what they want to do. Which is what I'm about to do...b/c caring has obviously gotten me nowhere. Sadly...

2nd bold: Perhaps there is 1 more thing God wants me to completely give up? But, I've yet to give it up, 100%, b/c He hasn't provided me w/ a substitute. I don't feel like giving it up and being lonely and bored. I feel as if He really wanted me to give it up, He'd provide something, in return, to help me. And sense he hasn't, maybe it's not that big of a deal...maybe he really doesn't care and I'm just over-thinking the situation. If you want to know what I'm talking about, PM me and I'll tell you...then you can tell me what you think

But, sense when doesn't God answer prayers b/c you haven't given EVERYTHING up? He answers other people's prayers. I've given up mostly everything...what's the big deal? So if I don't give up everything, He'll never answer another prayer? If so, that's ridiculous!

Ask yourself if this is now happening in your life?:



26 I write you these things about those who would deceive you.




27 As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, so that you do not need anyone to teach you. But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false; just as it taught you, remain in him.


You know if you had never sneezed and you want someone to explain to you exactly what it feels like to sneeze. I bet they would be out of words to discribe it so that you would understand. And so it is with being ANOINTED. But with no doubt you shall know if IT ever happens to you.


BUT IN ORDER FOR THIS TO HAPPEN YOU MUST GO FORWARD IN FAITH!


OR


YOUR JUST WASTING YOUR TIME. BETTER THAT YOU MAKE REAL FRIENDS WITH THE UNBELIVERS SO YOU HAVE SOMEWHERE TO GO.



LOVE


steven

 

[intr3pid]

Hey SportsJunkie, I just tried to PM you and was unable to due to my post count being so low. I resonate with your thinking quite a bit and would like to talk to you... any way we could? I think that "one thing" might be similar in our cases.

 

[Shadolus]

Hey! Hows it goin? I feel like maybe I can help b/c I'm sort of dealin with the same thing(after all I'm the male version of you lol) I know that feeling where you're like " how long till things change ugh". I, for the longest time was trying to get involved with a church to help God and meet new people. I even prayed about it and thought that I had found the right place. So I went there for two years and..... nothing, just like you, absolutely nothing. I prayed about it and went to another church and... nothing again. I felt like God was either playen with me or just not listening. But despite my temptation to doubt Him, I decided to carry on and have faith(remind you its been well over two years for me now). I did some research and found a third church( you know what they say about a third time lol) And I went there, found that it seemed to be what I was looking for. They had a bunch of panflets and I found one for young adult bible studies. So I believed that was in God's plan for me to go. So I did and its been about three weeks now and I feel so justified for seeking out God's plan consistantly. I'm already more involved in the last three weeks than in the two years at the other place!! I think SuzyBeezy brings up a lot of good points. We can't always see what's going on in the spiritual side of things but we can trust we're in the process of being justified. The reward for your patience will be so worth it. Please hang in there, I believe in your salvation and won't question it. We sometimes just need to go through these trials. God bless you Sportsjunkie, I know you can do it.

 

[SportsJunkie25]

Ask yourself if this is now happening in your life?:

Like I've said before, some of your posts fly right over my head but I think I get this one. If you're trying to say that the only way I will "get it" is if I'm annointed by the Holy Spirit...I get that part. I feel as if I'm led by the Holy Spirit. I just question my leadings sometimes. Like, I get that little nudge that says don't do this, don't do that, etc but it's just in my nature to ask why...sometimes. Especially if there isn't another ave within site. I guess I haven't reached the point where I feel like giving up everything in my life (<--for a long period of time. I give it up for a week or so but then I get bored and go back to it) just to be more miserable, lonely and depressed. If God really cared, I'd assume He'd provide an outlet but He doesn't soooo...I don't know what to say. It seems like God wants us to get rid of stuff but doesn't help us...just tells us to get rid of it. I'm going to need him to meet me half way. That would be nice.

Well, I was just about to write: "I'm already bored doing what I want...it'll be even worse if I give it all up." But, maybe it won't. Lol. Maybe that's the point of this whole thing. I.e. Can it get any worse?

Hey SportsJunkie, I just tried to PM you and was unable to due to my post count being so low. I resonate with your thinking quite a bit and would like to talk to you... any way we could? I think that "one thing" might be similar in our cases.

I just sent you a PM.

Hey! Hows it goin? I feel like maybe I can help b/c I'm sort of dealin with the same thing(after all I'm the male version of you lol) I know that feeling where you're like " how long till things change ugh". I, for the longest time was trying to get involved with a church to help God and meet new people...

Well hello, twin! Lol. It's nice to know you're still pressing forward; you're better than I am. I'm the type of person that needs a little reassurance once in a while. Kind of like a little nudge that says keep going. For example, 1 answered prayer, in the last couple of years, would be a nice nudge. But, I don't get that so it's hard for me to continue doing something when I don't get results. It just seems illogical to me. And, I guess that's my main problem...I'm too logical...I think and analyze things waaayyy too much.

I guess my faith isn't that strong (although I thought it was. Ooppss.) and I don't know how to change that. I feel as though it would be stronger, if a prayer was answered but it's not...so, I guess it won't be getting stonger...unless a miracle happened. Lol. Oh...and I've prayed for God to give me better faith but that prayer hasn't been answered, either...obviously.

Thanks for responding!

 

[Shadolus]

In no way am I better than you. I should refrase "temptation to have doubt" to "I had doubt but overcame it" and I believe you will do the same. I know its tough not having any prayers answered, really I do, I feel that way a lot. Just keep doing what you are doing. Please don't give up, its only a matter of time. Sometimes we just have to push our feelings aside and keep tugging along(easier said than done!) I have similar struggles, we can get through this!!!

God bless sister(in christ)

 

[SportsJunkie25]

In no way am I better than you. I should refrase "temptation to have doubt" to "I had doubt but overcame it" and I believe you will do the same. I know its tough not having any prayers answered, really I do, I feel that way a lot. Just keep doing what you are doing. Please don't give up, its only a matter of time. Sometimes we just have to push our feelings aside and keep tugging along(easier said than done!) I have similar struggles, we can get through this!!!

God bless sister(in christ)

I think that's exactly what I have to do. I'm a "feelings" kind of person. It's hard for me to ignore my feelings but I should work on that. If I don't feel like doing something, most of the time, I won't do it. Actually, all of the time, I won't do it. And, I don't think I will ever just give up. Although, today, I was swore I was d-o-n-e but you guys started responding to my thread. You guys seem to say the right things that keep me going. Thanks for the words of encouragement...

 

[secretshadows618]

I understand your frustrations with not getting an answer to your prayers. I started speaking to God and asking for somethings to change when I was around 12 years old. I'm almost 17 now. So I've been praying for the same thing for 5 years and it hasn't been answered. God tells us no or wait for a reason. We just have to remember Jeremiah 29:11. We have to live by his plan not our own. Stay confident and stay patient. You'll have your answer some day.


secretshadows

 

[LoneSheep]

So how does God answer prayer? Is it with great fanfare? Is it in the newspaper and all over television?

God is very subtle and very clever. All we have to do is be receptive, which is hard enough to do with all the clutter in our lives. I think many of my prayers have been answered without me knowing, and then I keep praying about it, ignorant of what is going on.

Take the job I have now. I have wanted a job like this since I graduated college. In fact, I even had full support and the opportunity to get this job while in college but I was lazy and didn't file the paperwork. So, I went off on my own for a few years, including a nasty 8 months of penniless unemployment. Finally God said again: Take the test!!! He didn't forget me, but by not listening quietly, I was going off in the wrong direction.

One thing in prayer I notice is that I have to make sure I pray for the root cause of my problems. Do I pray for relief from the headache or the virus that is causing it? Do I pray for relief from the sadness or the cause of it?

I've been in the same boat as you. Where is God when I need him??? Sometimes when I get mad and rush out to accomplish things myself, I look back and I notice it was God paving the way for me the whole time.

Prayer changes things. Sometimes those things can be you.

 

[SportsJunkie25]

Ok. So, quite a few of you guys have said that God may be answering my prayers but I'm not "getting it". Well, I'm trying to get it. Is there a clue or something? I don't want to be clueless. I want to see what He's showing me but I feel like He's not answering my prayers. Well, when it comes to a career (<--the main thing I pray about. I want to know how he wants to use me), maybe he is answering my prayers. I've said this before, in other threads, the only open doors he provides for me is through teaching. But, I don't want to be a teacher. Could my "calling" be something that I don't desire? I wouldn't think so but maybe I'm wrong.

Many people (even random strangers) have told me that I'm an excellent teacher but I brush it off. I brush it off b/c this is the one career I said I'd never do, annnddd they don't get paid enough. I'm 6 figures in debt from grad school...I need to do something bigger than a teacher's salary (fyi - not dissing teaching but...I have bills to pay.) Anyway, could all of this be a sign? Everytime I sub for a school, they tell me how great I'm doing and I'm like, eh...whatever...I won't be doing this for too much longer. Of course, I don't say this out loud but this is what I'm thinking. Besides...I have big dreams! Lol.

Ugh...I'm so tired of this. I just need to be zapped into the future.