We have heard God wants us to ask Him freely in prayer. And ask away we do. But what if we feel God is not answering us, or answering in a way we don’t like. We get frustrated, discouraged, and even angry with God. So what’s up with unanswered prayer? Sure feels like we are alone, like being in the desert.

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Helpful to know that:

1. More important than asking is to listen. John 13:21-25 (ESV),
    v. 25 “Lying on Jesus’ breast.” (KJV)

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2. Unanswered prayer is a myth. Often we just don’t recognize God’s voice. (“Yes, No, Not Yet”) John 10:27-28 (ESV)
     The sheep know their shepherd’s voice.

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3. Unanswered prayer often makes us feel like we are in the “desert”, but it is in the desert (desolate places, wilderness) we will meet God. (Paradox of suffering.)
   Matthew 4:1-2 (ESV) Spent time in the wilderness.

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3 translations of Luke 5:16,

     (ESV) “But he would withdraw to desolate places  and pray.”

     (NIV) “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

     (NLT) “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.”

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“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9)