Prayers That God Won't Answer

The book of James talks about prayer.  In this book, the half-brother of Jesus says for instance, the prayer of the righteous avail much (James 5:16).  That's an encouragement to pray!  The praying that we do has an effect if it's in accordance with God's purposes. (James 5:15).  There are, however. some prayers that are not answered.  Earlier in the book of James, when he's instructing his readers to ask in faith, nothing wavering (James 1:6), he makes the point that the one who wavers, or doubts should not expect to receive anything from the Lord (James 1:7), an empty prayer that won't be answered.  The writings of Charles Spurgeon reminded me to day that we are just in good of shape when God doesn't answer our prayers as when He does. Elijah prayed that God would take his life. (1 Kings 19:4).  God did not answer that prayer because it was prayed during a time of depression.  He hears our prayers!  But thank God He does not always answer them.  What is especially interesting about this passage is the point that Spurgeon makes.  Elijah did NOT die!  Could it be that when we are in situations where there seems to be no answer, God not only knows the answer, but has ordained that in our future (whether we realize it or not) the thing we are concerned about, or pray about may not happen at all?  God is in control!  In, through and around our prayers.

William Cowper must have understood the power of God's Mysterious ways when he penned these words:

God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants His foot-steps in the sea and rides upon the storm.

You fearful saints, fresh courage take: The clouds you so much dread are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace; behind a frowning providence faith sees a smiling face.

Blind unbelief is sure to err and scan His work in vain; God is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain.

Thank God for His protection!  Thank God for His provision!  Thank God for His mercy!, in answered as well as unanswered prayers!