Intercessory prayer is a request to a personal Lord who answers as He knows best. We should not think that we will always have success in obtaining the things for which we ask. In His wisdom, God hears and answers in the way that is best. Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope. Prayer is the privilege of touching the heart of the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7
For good reasons, the holy and wise purposes of God do not permit Him to grant every petition just as it is asked. Several hindrances to answered prayer are mentioned in the Bible. They include iniquity in the heart
(Ps. 66:18), refusal to hear the law of God
(Prov. 28:9), an estranged heart
(Is. 29:13), sinful separation from God
(Is. 59:2), waywardness
(Jer. 14:10-12), offering unworthy sacrifices
(Mal. 1:7-9), praying to be seen of men
(Matt. 6:5-6), pride in fasting and tithing
(Luke 18:11-14), lack of faith
(Heb. 11:6), and doubting or double-mindedness
(James 4:3).
More positively, God has promised to answer our requests when we start helping the hungry and afflicted
(Is. 58:9-10), when we believe that we will receive what we ask
(Mark 11:22-24), when we forgive others
(Mark 11:25-26), when we ask in the name of Christ
(John 14:13-14), and when we abide in Christ and His words
(John 15:7), pray in the Spirit
(Eph. 6:8), obey the commandments of the Lord
(1 John 3:22), and ask according to His will
(1 John 5:14-15). Until we have properly responded to God and His Word, He cannot entrust us with His powerful resources.
Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.