Unanswered Prayer

Dear children,

We talk to our parents every day, but is there ever a time when your parents may not want to listen to us? Often, it is because we have disobeyed them and they are upset with us. This is especially true when we refuse to admit our mistakes and continue doing what is wrong. The same can happen in our relationship with God.

Let us look at Psalm 66:18 “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”

This verse teaches us that when a person continues in sin without repenting, God is not pleased with their prayers. To “regard iniquity” means to hold on to sin in our hearts instead of turning away from it.

We can see this in the life of Samson. God had blessed Samson with great strength, and God had even answered his prayers before. Once, when Samson was very thirsty, God provided water for him in a miraculous way. But later, Samson disobeyed God and became involved with Delilah. Because of his disobedience, God departed from him, and Samson lost his strength (Judges 16:20). He suffered greatly and even lost his eyes.

However, God is merciful. When Samson repented and cried out to God, the Lord heard his prayer once again. God gave him strength, and Samson was able to defeat his enemies.

Do you have prayers that seem unanswered? If so, let us examine our hearts and lives carefully. Have we done anything wrong against God? If we have sinned, we should repent sincerely and ask God for forgiveness. God is merciful and ready to hear those who come to Him with humble and repentant hearts.