Why does God answer some prayers but not others?

A lot of Christians believe God answers every prayer, every time, no matter what, period. But that hasn't been my experience. While there indeed have been some "iffy" situations that I was concerned about that miraculously were taken care of, I've also had some situations that I would have loved to get out of, but after prayer, the prayers of others, etc, the situation is just as "on me" as ever.{And it's not for a sinful thing, it's about things like that would lower my stress levels}.But no. So this little philosophy some Christians have that God will automatically and instantly give you all your desires with a snap of the fingers,and if you believe otherwise it's "your fault", like a lack of faith, I wouldn't say that. That's more like new age thinking, the "name it and claim it"gospels.."If we demand it, God will give it".Even Jesus prayed,"Father if possible let this cup pass from me. BUT NOT MY WILL BUT YOURS BE DONE."So this belief that we just snap our fingers and God will just obey our commands like a genie in a bottle,I 'm living proof that doesn't always work.Despite what "name it and claim it" professes.

 

[WingsofaDove]

A lot of Christians believe God answers every prayer, every time, no matter what, period. But that hasn't been my experience. While there indeed have been some "iffy" situations that I was concerned about that miraculously were taken care of, I've also had some situations that I would have loved to get out of, but after prayer, the prayers of others, etc, the situation is just as "on me" as ever.{And it's not for a sinful thing, it's about things like that would lower my stress levels}.But no. So this little philosophy some Christians have that God will automatically and instantly give you all your desires with a snap of the fingers,and if you believe otherwise it's "your fault", like a lack of faith, I wouldn't say that. That's more like new age thinking, the "name it and claim it"gospels.."If we demand it, God will give it".Even Jesus prayed,"Father if possible let this cup pass from me. BUT NOT MY WILL BUT YOURS BE DONE."So this belief that we just snap our fingers and God will just obey our commands like a genie in a bottle,I 'm living proof that doesn't always work.Despite what "name it and claim it" professes.

I think some of the prayers are answered because they are in his will. All our desires may not be his will. He sees things we don't see.

 

[BrotherBingham]

If you have the faith the size of a mustard seed, Jesus will answer all your prayers. However, there is selfish prayer requests that is not in Gods will, probably those will not be answered. Just ask Jesus in humble obedience to His will to answer all your prayers and He will.

 

[Steven Bobb]

I think some of the prayers are answered because they are in his will. All our desires may not be his will. He sees things we don't see.

Exactly!!

 

[WingsofaDove]

Exactly!!

He sees things we don't see. Outcomes we can't see. There are good reasons some prayer is not answered. He sees a bigger picture than we do.

 

[younglady2]

I have prayed about this in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Brother in Christ (JC)]

A lot of Christians believe God answers every prayer, every time, no matter what, period. But that hasn't been my experience. While there indeed have been some "iffy" situations that I was concerned about that miraculously were taken care of, I've also had some situations that I would have loved to get out of, but after prayer, the prayers of others, etc, the situation is just as "on me" as ever.{And it's not for a sinful thing, it's about things like that would lower my stress levels}.But no. So this little philosophy some Christians have that God will automatically and instantly give you all your desires with a snap of the fingers,and if you believe otherwise it's "your fault", like a lack of faith, I wouldn't say that. That's more like new age thinking, the "name it and claim it"gospels.."If we demand it, God will give it".Even Jesus prayed,"Father if possible let this cup pass from me. BUT NOT MY WILL BUT YOURS BE DONE."So this belief that we just snap our fingers and God will just obey our commands like a genie in a bottle,I 'm living proof that doesn't always work.Despite what "name it and claim it" professes.

Even Jesus prayed,"Father if possible let this cup pass from me. BUT NOT MY WILL BUT YOURS BE DONE
Great entry! Who' going to argue that Jesus did not have faith. It was most surely greater then the size of a mustard seed. He Loved God, had faith in God, did God's work, and still face persecution. Jesus Himself stated:
John 15:20
“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.”
King James Version (KJV)

It is in God' will.