In my last post, I gave three reasons why prayers sometimes go unanswered. Here is another reason why some prayers are not answered. Even though God is more than willing to answer prayer, He will not bless disobedience.

There are many verses in the Bible that teach that God is holy and He expects the same of us. Although we will never be perfect this side of Heaven, He expects us to utilize the tools He has given to enable us to be what He wants.

One of those blessings He has given is Christian liberty. Yes, once you are saved by faith in Christ you cannot lose it. But Christian liberty is not the freedom to do as you please; instead, it is the power to do what God pleases.

As we obey, He gives blessing and joy. He will also show that He is glad to answer Biblical prayer requests. Did you notice the first part of the text verse: “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him.” Why? “because we keep his commandments.”

If you want to see more answers to your prayers – obey Him. To obey correctly, it will require that you learn more of the Word of God to know what He wants of you. Yes, it is that simple. God never intended getting answers to prayer to be complex.

The closer you draw to God and learn from Him, the more you can love Him. Then, it is a matter of: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me” (Jn. 14:21a).

It is not unusual that many prayers – even the prayers of many believers – often go unanswered. There are many possible reasons for this.

The Bible is very clear why this could be occurring in your life. Here are three reasons given in the Bible.

1. You are not a child of God. Many people have prayed a prayer at the altar or made a decision to become religious, but they were never regenerated by the Holy Spirit. They never intended to turn from sin to God. They only wanted fire insurance from Hell. (Follow this link to learn more about Bible salvation.)
2. The above verses plainly indicate that if we have known sin in our life that God will not hear. Like the verses says: God is not deaf. Instead, He is waiting for you grow tired of your sin and turn from going your own way to start obeying His way – which is the way of forgiveness and blessing.
3. You have secret sin. Maybe your sins are not open and visible to others – but you still know that they are wrong and God is not pleased. Psalm 66:18 tells is that of we harbor secret sins in our heart that God will not hear your prayers: “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”

The love of sin is what often prevents prayers from being answered. God is more than willing to answer His children’s prayers, but He is Holy and will not tolerate disobedience. He loves you, but He cannot change.

Do you really want Him to answer your prayers? Are you willing to do things His way? Talk to Him about it today and confess your sin and ask for forgiveness. He will answer that prayer. Then, start living for Him according to the Bible to see more prayers answered.