Why do we sometimes pray about matters close to our hearts, but do not see breakthroughs or answers? What are the possible reasons our prayers are not answered? Are we praying incorrectly? There are no easy answers when it comes to the reasons answers to our prayers are delayed. Through this reading programme, you might find more insight into this subject. It will encourage you and remove those plaguing doubts you may have whether God really hears your prayers, or whether He really wants to answer you and bring about breakthroughs. Remember, God’s silence is never His absence.
Jericho Walls International Prayer Network
Day 1
Scriptures: Psalms 22:1-5, Numbers 23:19
WHEN THE ANSWER TARRIES
George Müller’s Orphanage
George Müller, who cared for thousands of orphans, trusted God for provision without asking anyone for help. One morning, the children sat at the table with empty plates—there was no food. Müller prayed, thanking God for the meal He would provide. Moments later, a baker knocked on the door with fresh bread, saying he felt led to bake for them. Also, the milkman’s cart broke down outside the orphanage, and he came to offer the milk before it spoiled. God had heard, even in silence!
Reflection:
• Even Jesus cried out when He felt forsaken at the very moment of His death on the cross. His death and resurrection have made it possible for you and me to never be (or feel) alone in our deepest moment of need.
• When our hearts are overwhelmed by sorrow or worry in prayer, it is hard to hear God’s voice or experience His guidance. That is absolutely normal! Just remember, whatever you may feel, God’s silence does not mean He is not listening.
• Continue to pour out your heart in prayer before the Lord on every matter that may seem an unbearable burden to you right now. In the right time, He will answer, because He is not a man that He would ever lie. (Numbers 23:19)
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust that You are near, even when my heart is overwhelmed and I do not hear Your voice. I will keep on praying and pouring out my heart because I trust you as my heavenly Father.
Day 2
Scripture: Habakkuk 2:3
WHEN GOD SAYS ‘WAIT’
Hannah’s Prayer for a Child
Hannah longed for a child, but years of waiting left her heartbroken. In deep sorrow she prayed, pouring out her soul before God. Eli, the priest, assured her that God had heard her prayer. In time, she conceived and gave birth to Samuel, who became one of Israel’s greatest prophets. Her long wait had a purpose—God used Samuel to change history. Sometimes, God’s “not yet” means He is preparing something greater than we can imagine.
Reflection:
• Sometimes God’s answer is “not yet.” Waiting can be painful, but His timing is perfect. Years ago, I thought a certain young man was my future husband. When it did not work out, I was very disappointed. Looking back over three decades now, I know the choice God had for me was closer related to my own calling and destiny. Had I married that young man, it would have had a devastating effect on my life.
• Are there areas in your life where you need to wait on God?
Prayer: Father, help me to be patient and trust in Your perfect timing. I desire for the answer to my prayers to be in Your perfect will, bringing about Your purposes in my life and protecting me from devastation and calamity.
Day 3
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
WHEN GOD DOES NOT ANSWER ACCORDING TO OUR EXPECTATIONS
Corrie Ten Boom’s Fleas
While imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp, Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsie endured harsh conditions. Their barracks were infested with fleas, which they initially saw as another hardship. But as they prayed they realized that the fleas kept the guards away, allowing them to hold Bible studies and encourage fellow prisoners! The very thing they prayed against became the means for them to share the Gospel. God’s answers often look different but serve a higher purpose.
Reflection:
• Paul prayed for healing, but God gave him grace instead. Never forget that God is our Healer. However, God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). For Paul, the specific condition he suffered was allowed for a higher purpose.
• I have seen friends sick with terminal illnesses bearing more fruit in the Kingdom of God than those who are healthy and happy! Every trial we face is an amazing opportunity to give God more glory, it only depends on how we look at it!
• Have you ever seen God work through delayed or unanswered prayer? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to bring glory to the Lord amidst your current situation in a way that will release His joy in your heart.
Prayer: Lord, help me to view the difficulties and trials I face from Your point of view. Open my understanding to how my life can be a testimony to others in such a way that they also choose to follow You! Help me see and accept that Your ways are higher than my ways or expectations from You.
Day 4
Scripture: Daniel 10:12-13
UNANSWERED PRAYERS AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Daniel’s 21-Day Delay
Daniel prayed earnestly for understanding, but no answer came for three weeks. When the angel finally arrived, he revealed that Daniel’s prayer had been heard on the first day, but a spiritual battle delayed the response. This story reminds us that some answers take time because unseen warfare is at play.
Reflection:
• Sometimes prayers are delayed due to spiritual battles we cannot observe with the naked eye. However, it was Daniel’s persistence in prayer that led to his eventual answer and victory in prayer. Likewise, when we pray and see no results, we must keep pressing on in prayer—God is working behind the scenes.
• Is it possible that you have given up praying about something too soon? Take a moment to write down any such points and bring them before the Lord in prayer again.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for giving up in prayer because I did not see a breakthrough or answer. Holy Spirit, please help me endure persevering in prayer. Strengthen my faith to keep on praying, even when I do not see immediate results.
Day 5
Scripture: Job 13:15
LEARNING TO TRUST EVEN IN UNCERTAINTY
Jim Elliot’s Mission to the Aucas
Jim Elliot and his missionary team were martyred while trying to bring the Gospel to the Auca tribe in Ecuador. Their brutal execution made it seem like God was not answering their prayers for a breakthrough. However, years later, their sacrifice led to the conversion of the very people who had killed them. Jim’s wife, Elisabeth, and other missionaries continued their work, and many Aucas came to Christ. What initially looked like a tragedy was turned around in a great breakthrough and a whole tribe came to know the Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection:
• When a child, husband or other loved one suddenly passes away or falls ill, it is very difficult to understand the ‘ways of God’. There are no easy answers to explain calamities like these, and it is easy to feel ‘God was not there’. Just look at the life of Job who suffered immensely and lost all his children, position in society and livelihood. However, he never cursed God (like his wife suggested he should do). He continued to trust God. The Bible does not say how long it was before his situation changed, but we know that the turnaround came when he started to pray for those who cursed him.
• God invites us to exercise true faith – faith that trusts even when answers do not come. Do you trust God even when you do not understand?
Prayer: Father, even in my pain and questions I choose to trust You. Strengthen my heart to hold on to the knowledge that You are a good, good Father, and that You are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I put my trust in You, even though I do not understand what is happening in my life.
Day 6
Scriptures: Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20
GOD WORKS ALL THINGS FOR GOOD
Joseph’s Journey from Prison to Palace
Joseph’s life was full of hardships—he was betrayed by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned for years. He must have prayed daily for deliverance, yet God allowed his suffering to continue. But in time, God raised him up to be a ruler in Egypt and he saved countless lives, including his own family’s. Looking back, Joseph told his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Even when we do not understand, God is working everything for good over time.
Reflection:
• Sometimes we look at unanswered prayer from a personal perspective, our own hardships or suffering. Yet, God sees into the future, and He knows things we cannot yet see. Sometimes our character still needs to mature in order to carry the responsibility of a great breakthrough. Even unanswered prayers serve a greater purpose.
• Remember that God’s perspective is eternal, while ours is limited. Also, we are sometimes not ready to know the ‘reason’ why an answer is delayed. As time continues and we look back like Joseph did in Egypt (a place of isolation and loneliness), we see the greater purpose.
• Can you recall a time when God used disappointment for your good?
Prayer: Lord, I confess that I sometimes stumble because I can only see my own needs and problems. I pray that You will help me to see Your greater plan and trust that You are working all things for my good.
Day 7
Scripture: Luke 18:1-8
KEEP KNOCKING, KEEP ASKING
Persistent Prayer for a Prodigal Son
Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, prayed for years for her rebellious son to turn to Christ. Augustine lived in sin and rejected God, but Monica never stopped praying. After nearly 17 years of intercession, Augustine had a radical encounter with God and became one of the greatest theologians in history. If Monica had given up, history might have been different. Never stop praying — God is always at work, even when answers seem delayed.
Reflection:
• In the Scripture reading of today Jesus encourages persistent prayer. The persistent prayers of a mother are especially powerful and carry great weight in the heart of our heavenly Father.
• When we start praying about a matter, initially all we want is an answer. But as the answer is delayed, we learn to grow and stand in faith for what we believe but do not yet see. As the answer may be delayed even for decades, our relationship with God and experiencing His unfailing love and character in our own lives becomes the very thing that keeps us praying. In the end, we grow in the waiting.
• Not all delays mean “no”—sometimes they build faith. Do you sometimes feel like giving up praying for something? Be encouraged today – take up the prayer burden the Lord puts on your heart, and remember that Jesus is always interceding for and with us. (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34).
Prayer: Father, forgive me for thinking that You have forsaken me when answers to prayer are delayed. Give me the perseverance to keep praying and seeking You, whether or not I see any changes. Strengthen me in my walk with You so that my faith may glorify You.