Why Are Some Prayers For Healing Not Answered?

Exploring the reasons why some prayers seem to go unanswered.

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

The Bible has many verses that encourage us to ask God so we can help others and get the things we want.

Here are some concepts found in scripture:

• If we fear the Lord and shun evil, we will experience health in our bodies and nourishment in our bones (Proverbs 3:7–9).
• We should present our requests to God with thanksgiving and without anxiety (Philippians 4:6–7).
• A prayer offered in faith will make a sick person well.
• When we confess our sins to each other and pray for each other, we will be healed.
• Sick people should call the church's elders to pray for them and anoint them with oil (James 5:14–16).

God answers prayer in three ways: yes, no, and wait a while. It is God’s will that we are healed, but sometimes, restoration does not happen.

Here are some reasons why prayers may not be answered:

• We ask with wrong motives, our own selfish desires, or poor choices (James 4:1–3).