Sermons on Unanswered Prayer:

Unbelief And Faith

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Apr 8, 2017

What does unanswered prayer say about our level of faith? Many of us believe we're walking in more faith than we really are.

A couple of years ago I came face to face with a very sobering and heart-wrenching revelation: my faith was not where I thought it was. But I didn’t know that until “I didn’t see” the faith results I was seeking. I had convinced myself that my faith was at a place where it was not. A very dear ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:24, Matthew 17:14-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Pleasure Of Prayer Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 19, 2021

The pleasure of prayer is that by means of it we become more Christlike, for in prayer we develop the spirit and perspective of Christ.

One of life's greatest pleasures is the pleasure of answered prayer. But the pleasure of one can be the pain of another. Dick Van Dyke tells some funny stories about children and answers to prayer. Five year old Mark gave a loud whistle in the middle of the pastors sermon. His grandmother ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 84:8

The Surprise Of Answered Prayer Series

Contributed by W Pittendreigh on Aug 11, 2004

God answers prayers -- and that usually surprises us!

A Sunday School teacher was struggling to open a combination lock on the supply cabinet. She had been told the combination, but couldn’t quite remember it. Exasperated, she went to the pastor’s study and asked for help. The pastor came into the room and began to turn the dial. After the first two ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

There Is No Rock Like Our God – 1 Samuel 2:2 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jan 29, 2026

Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2 is not polished theology from an ivory tower; it is worship forged in pain, humiliation, unanswered prayer, and finally—astonishing grace. And at the heart of her song stands this thunderous confession:

There Is No Rock Like Our God – 1 Samuel 2:2 Introduction: When the Ground Beneath You Shakes We are living in a world that feels increasingly unstable. Economies wobble. Moral certainties erode. Identities shift. Trust in institutions collapses. People are searching—desperately—for something ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:2, Exodus 15:11, Isaiah 45:5, 2 Samuel 22:2, Matthew 7:24, 1 Timothy 2:5, Isaiah 53:5, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Jude 1:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

God Has The Right To Reject PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Understand and trust in God's sovereignty and grace, even when our prayers seem unanswered, as His plan is always for our ultimate good.

Good morning, brothers and sisters. I want to begin by sharing a quote from Philip Yancey: "I have learned that faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse." Sometimes, we pray for a certain outcome, and it doesn't happen the way we want it to. We might feel frustrated, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Topics: God's Denial

Why Pray? Series

Contributed by Brad Stone on Jun 29, 2024

Many people question the purpose and effectiveness of prayer. Often, prayers not answer in the method we would prefer, or in the time frame we would like, are mistaken as unanswered prayers. In this message, I attempt to give a biblical response to the question, "Why Pray?".

Biblical Answers to Life’s Tough Questions: Why Pray? Phil 4:6-7 People have asked the question before, “What is the point in prayer?”. Their argument is that, if by praying we can change God’s mind, then He isn’t sovereign. If he doesn’t change His mind, then He is superfluous. Many people ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Principles Of Prayer

Contributed by Adrian Rogers on Feb 15, 2012

God does not work in prayer according to whim, fancy, or caprice. But, there are definite laws, and rules, and principles for getting our prayers answered. And, the time will come, if it has not already come, when for God to answer your prayer will mean m

Introduction Today, we’re going to be talking about the principles of prayer, because, friend, there are principles that are real and valid. God does not work in prayer according to whim, fancy, or caprice. But, there are definite laws, and rules, and principles for getting our prayers ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Prayer

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Dec 29, 2000

In order to accomplish the divine command to forgive one another, you must first learn to live your life in prayer and intercession as Jesus commanded.

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:44) Forgiveness will flow freely to a cold world only from a heart that is warmed by God’s love. Praying for those who have hurt you proves that you are a child of God and ...read more

Scripture: James 1:6, Matthew 5:44

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Doesn’t God Answer Our Prayers?

Contributed by Peter Pilt on Apr 23, 2019

I would propose up front that God does answer our prayers more often than we like to think....Why?

I was asked recently, Why doesn’t God answer my prayers? Here is my answer. I would propose up front that God does answer our prayers more often than we like to think, its just that we aren’t getting the answers we want. God can answer with a No, but we wanted a Yes and so we keep praying, looking ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:13-23, Jeremiah 21:2, Jonah 4:3, Mark 10:34-45, Matthew 26:36-46, Hebrews 2:9, Philippians 2:5-8, Proverbs 3:5-6, Hebrews 10:23, Isaiah 55:8-9, John 14:13-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Seed Of David Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Dec 11, 2019

In the midst of your disappointment, realize that God has a better plan; rejoice in that plan; and request that God accomplish that plan in your life.

39 years ago, in late December of 1980, Wally Nelson awoke to find the body of a 19-year-old girl named Jean Hilliard frozen “solid as a log” on his doorstep. Her car had skidded off an icy road into a ditch, so she got out of the car and started walking to a friend’s house. She almost made it, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-29

Denomination: Evangelical Free

A Life Of Trust Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Jun 9, 2020

"Ask...Seek...Knock..." is trusting God for his best. The Golden Rule is not reciprocity, but trust in God's best.

Healthy Disciples: A LIFE OF TRUST—Matthew 7:7-12 In this series on the last part of the Sermon on the Mount, we have considered what Jesus said about a healthy Christian life. Previously in his teaching on the hillside that day, Jesus talked about prayer. He warned his disciples about making a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Keep On

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on May 8, 2012

I. EXORDIUM: Do you still have unanswered prayers? Have you lose hope? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Praying believers III. OBJECTIVES: To prove that GOD answers prayers if we keep on. IV. TEXT: Luke 11:9-10 9 “And so I tell you, keep on as

I. EXORDIUM: Do you still have unanswered prayers? Have you lose hope? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Praying believers III. OBJECTIVES: To prove that GOD answers prayers if we keep on. IV. TEXT: Luke 11:9-10 9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:9-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Overcoming Spiritual Weakness

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 31, 2025

Spiritual weakness is a condition that every believer encounters at different stages in their walk with God. It is not necessarily a sign of sin, but often a result of prolonged trials, discouragement, weariness in battle, unanswered prayers, or lack of spiritual nourishment.

OVERCOMING SPIRITUAL WEAKNESS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Isaiah 40:31 Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Romans 8:26, Ephesians 6:10, Hebrews 12:12-13, Psalm 73:26 INTRODUCTION: Spiritual weakness is a condition that every believer encounters at different stages in their walk with ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Stop Putting God On Trial

Contributed by Caleb Onwuka on Jan 25, 2026

A moment comes in every believer’s life when the weight of unanswered prayers, delayed promises, or unexpected storms tempts us to drag God into the courtroom of our emotions. But God is not the accused, and we are not the judge.

Today I come to you with a Message the Lord laid in my heart last night; Faith is trusting God's character when His methods confuse us. Instead of putting God on trial, we step back from the witness stand and remember who He is. Let me ask you something this morning… Have you ever noticed how ...read more

Scripture: James 2:17

Denomination: *other

The Concluding Affirmations In John’s First Letter For All Christians – 1john 5:15-20 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 8, 2022

Unanswered prayer in your will, is answered prayer in God’s will for you. Assurance of salvation is one of the greatest themes we find in the scriptures for a person’s relationship with God. 5 great Affirmations close Chapter 5 of First John.

THE CONCLUDING AFFIRMATIONS IN JOHN’S FIRST LETTER FOR ALL CHRISTIANS – 1John 5:15-20 There are 5 of these affirmations at the end of this letter, and 4 statements marked by the words “we know” and we will consider them this morning one by one. It is very clear that John is strong on knowing, ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:15-20, John 20:28-29, 1 Peter 1:8, Romans 8:28, Luke 17:12-15, Philippians 3:10-11, Revelation 3:20, John 3:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational