If you can make time to pray, God will answer. Below are some reasons for delayed answers to prayers.

Bible Base:

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short That it cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.”Isaiah 59:1‭-‬2 NASB1995)

1. Negative use of Volition- Freedom to choose

God who is Holy will never violate our freedom of choice. Neither will He condone unholiness and injustices. 

When God created humanity, He set boundaries for us. But he allowed us the freedom to choose to either obey or disobey Him. (See Genesis chapters 2-3)

The first humans used their volition in a negative manner and made the human race genetically sinful.

When we make wrong choices, it affects the way our lives work out. 

But when we cry out to God in distress, because of the challenging circumstances which were activated by our choices, HE hears us. 

However,  we cannot continue to sin indiscriminately because Jesus Christ paid for our sins. (See Romans 6:1) 

The universe is governed by laws. And though the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made Believers free from the law of sin and death, God expects His children to model His Personalities in this world. (See 1 Peter 2:9)

Though God has heard our heart cries, He patiently awaits our repentance. See how Isaiah says it:

“In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.” But you were not willing, (Isaiah 30:15 NASB1995)

Although God is Omnipotent, He works with your willingness. He will never violate your free moral rights. 

 So, as our disobedience is running its course, HE patiently steers us to the place of repentance like the prodigal son. Until we come to the realization  that we need to turn away from where we are headed, and turn back to God. (See Romans 8:1-2. Luke 15:11-31)

Repentance is an act of the will that affects our outward actions.

Therefore,  if answers to your prayers are not swift in coming, do a Soul search to correct whatever is not aligned to the Word of God.

2. Jurisdiction and Prayerlessness. 

Lack of Jurisdiction:

This world has been given to the Human race to rule. 

And God who is Righteous and Just, cannot interfere in our business decisions unless we invite Him, or unless we become a threat to the world and others. (See Genesis  1:26-30 ; Psalm 115:16, 66:7, 46:8-10)

Prayerlessness:

Although God has granted us free will and given us rulership of the world,  and would not interfere in our choices, unless it is a general threat to life and the world, He will respond to our cries for help.

He says in His Word,

 “Pray to me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15.  Contemporary English Version)

Our prayer is the invitation God needs, to come into our world  to help.

Prayer is the only means of communicating with God that He approved. Anything else smacks of occultism.

The more you pray, fellowship or commune with God, the quicker His power shows up in your life to help you.

Friendly reminder:

The prayers God listens to are from those who acknowledge Him as their God and Father. (See Proverbs 15:8b, 28:9, 1 Peter 3:12)

Therefore,  you need to connect with God by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. (See Romans 10: 8-10)

Read further to discover how to link up with God correctly, and how to pray effectively.

Shalom from Hephzibah Christly TheSpiritualWarrior-                November 12, 2022