Bible Study - Sabbath School Podcast

When Prayers Seem Unanswered

Perhaps you’ve prayed about something for a long time, maybe even years, and it feels as if God hasn’t heard your prayers. The Bible tells us to “ask, and it shall be given you” (Matt. 7:7), “if we ask anything according to His will” (1 John 5:14, NKJV). What is your understanding of these promises?

Hannah is an example of a devoted woman who prayed for something very specific (1 Sam. 1:10-17). At first it seemed that God did not answer her prayers, but she persisted, and God did answer, in His perfect time and according to His will. Sometimes the waiting deepens our walk with God, as we learn to trust Him more.

Psalm 62:8 says, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us” (NKJV). Trust. Do we trust that He really does know what’s best, even when we don’t see an immediate answer to our prayers? Do we trust that eventually He will answer in His perfect time and way?

Sometimes our prayers may not be answered as quickly as we want or in the manner that we hope they will be. What counsel does the Bible give us about this?

• Seek God’s will, not your own (Matt. 6:10; 1 John 5:14-15).
• Consider your motives (Prov. 16:2, James 4:3).
• Think about whether you have a cherished sin (Ps. 66:18, 1 Pet. 3:12, Prov. 15:29).
• Abide in God and in His Word (John 15:7).
• Have faith when you pray (Heb. 11:6, James 1:6, Mark 11:24, Matt. 21:22).
• Consider the state of your heart (humble or proud) (James 4:6, 1 Pet. 5:6).
• Persevere (1 Thess. 5:17-18).
• Forgive others (Mark 11:25-26).
• Ultimately, God sees the big picture and knows what is best for us (Rom. 8:28, Eph. 3:20, Jer. 29:11-13). Sometimes His answer merely is as it was for Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Cor. 12:9, NKJV).

A key fact that determines our response to what seems like unanswered prayers is our picture of God. If we see God as distant and disinterested, our relationship with Him weakens. In such times, search the Bible for evidence of His love and care for you, and pray that your distorted picture of Him will become clearer.

Elijah--Praying in Crisis

Faithful Elijah lived in evil times, with King Ahab doing more “to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him” (1 Kings 16:33, NKJV). By far the most dramatic moments in Elijah’s life came with the confrontation at Mount Carmel (see 1 Kings 18). At the climax of this incredible story, Ahab and his kingdom saw with their own eyes the truth that God answers prayer. This was an unforgettable moment in Israel’s history and is why the sudden change of events in this story catches us by surprise.

Read 1 Kings 19:1-18, specifically noting Elijah’s prayers and God’s interaction with him. What is at the heart of Elijah’s dejection here? How is God’s response different from what happened at Mount Carmel?

Throughout the course of one day, although God answers every one of Elijah’s prayers, the prophet’s emotional, mental, and physical state soon shifts. Although Elijah had experienced a great victory with God that day, he had, in a moment of weariness, allowed the fear of death to overcome his faith in God. What is so striking about this story is that, although Elijah gave in to despondency and discouragement, God came to him in tenderness and care, providing food and water again (1 Kings 19:5-6)--so much so that he lasted for 40 days and 40 nights (1 Kings 19:8). And when God finally revealed Himself, it was in a very different manner than He had before.

Sometimes in our lives, God answers in very direct, powerful, and undeniable ways. This strengthens our faith, and we feel the closeness of God in our lives.

Other times we waver and give in to temptation, thinking that it’s too hard to follow God with unswerving faith. We look for God’s answers in ways we expect Him to respond, not realizing that His thoughts and ways are far higher and wiser than our own (Isa. 55:8-9). Just as there is much about God’s creation that we don’t understand, we shouldn’t be surprised that there is much about God’s ways that we don’t understand either.

God, our good and kind Father, knows exactly what you need. How can you be still enough to trust Him and keep your eyes steadfast on Him through it all? Talk to Him about this now.

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Kings 19:1-18; Matt. 6:5-8; Luke 11:2-4. Matt. 6:5-15; Dan. 9:4-19; Rom. 8:26-27

Memory Text: “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8, NKJV).

What is your prayer life like? How often do you pray? How fervently? How expectantly? Do you pray daily or only in emergencies? Are your prayers always asking for something, or do you praise God in your prayers as well?

Also, do you find yourself offering a prayer in the morning before you eat and perhaps partway through your busy day? Perhaps you’ve been part of a regular prayer group or even experienced what it’s like to pray around the clock. Have you experienced the power and presence of God through prayer that changes everything in your life?

Prayer is the constant connection between us (the branches) and Jesus (the Vine). “If we would grow and flourish, we must continually draw sap and nourishment from the Living Vine; for separated from the Vine we have no strength.”--Ellen G. White, Early Writings, p. 73. This is the blessing of abiding prayer. God hears us, and He always answers in His time and in His perfect way--though not always in the way we might expect.

This week let’s study other praying individuals in the Bible and consider practical ways to strengthen prayer in our daily lives.

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, May 16.

Further Thought: Ultimately, we should pray because we love God so much, and we just can’t help sharing everything in our lives with Him: our joys and life’s “wins,” our burdens and worries, our requests and daily needs. “We may keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the flower turns to the sun. Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children…. His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of His children, no anxiety harass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape the lips, of which our heavenly Father is unobservant, or in which He takes no immediate interest…. The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son.”--Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, pp. 99, 100.

Discussion Questions:

1. Would you describe prayer as beautiful or burdensome? What has contributed to your perspective?
2. There are so many insightful messages in the quote above. Which thought particularly resonates with you?
3. Of the three Bible characters studied this week (Daniel, Enoch, and Moses), whose prayer life do you most relate to, and why?

Summary: As we read about the prayer giants of the Bible, it can be easy to think that we can’t have a relationship that close to God or be quite as committed. But we can. Like Daniel, we can be steadfast and faithful in kneeling every day, despite opposition. Like Enoch, we can choose to walk and talk with God, turning to Him before we do the work He’s called us to do. Like Moses, we can lead those within our sphere of influence, interceding for our families and those in our communities when we choose to abide under the shadow of the Almighty, our Leader and Friend.

Moses Intercedes for a Nation

Read Exodus 32:31-32. What does this teach us about Moses and prayer?

Moses boldly interceded for God’s people time and time again. Moses turned to God when the people were thirsty (Exod. 15:25; Exod. 17:2-6), when the people were hungry (Num. 11:21-22), and in sheer desperation (Num. 11:11-15).

When the Israelites built the golden calf immediately after God had covenanted with them, Moses recalled, “For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure with which the LORD was angry with you, to destroy you. But the LORD listened to me at that time also” (Deut. 9:19, NKJV).

When the spies returned from the Promised Land, Moses recalled, “Thus I prostrated myself before the LORD; forty days and forty nights I kept prostrating myself, because the LORD had said He would destroy you” (Deut. 9:25, NKJV).

When Levi was separated from the other tribes to serve in the sanctuary, Moses recalled, “As at the first time, I stayed in the mountain forty days and forty nights; the LORD also heard me at that time, and the LORD chose not to destroy you” (Deut. 10:10, NKJV). God heard Moses’ plea.

We can learn much from Moses’ life when it comes to prayer and holding fast to God:

• Moses had a deep love for God, and a clear picture of His character. God described Himself to Moses in Exodus 34:6: “the LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth” (NKJV).
• Moses was both bold and faithful as he held on to God through the ups and downs of the weary journey to the Promised Land. Though struggling as we all do, Moses trusted God’s power, presence, and leading in his own life (Exod. 33:13).
• Moses reminded God of His covenant (Exod. 32:13), claimed God’s promises on behalf of His people (Deut. 7:8), and remembered God’s leading in the past (Deut. 8:2).
• Moses accepted God’s answers to his prayers, whether it was a yes or a no. Being in a close relationship with God doesn’t automatically mean we’ll always get what we want (Deut. 3:23-29), but we should pray with persistence anyway (Luke 18:1-8).

Who needs your intercessory prayers right now? What is stopping you from praying right now?

Moses, Godly Leader

Although Enoch clearly had a very close relationship with God, we have more insight into Moses’ relationship with God and can even read numerous accounts of Moses’ conversations with Him. As we journey with Moses through the ups and downs of this humble leader’s life, we see time and time again that the single most important part of his life and the secret to his success as a godly leader was his constant communication and abiding relationship with God.

Read Exodus 33:15-23. What is the content and the manner of the conversation between Moses and the Lord?

Imagine what it would have been like to speak with God and hear His voice so plainly. It’s a wonder the Israelites didn’t seek this kind of communion with God themselves instead of begging Moses to speak to them on God’s behalf (Exod. 20:18-21). Yet, God had prepared Moses for this, beginning with their interaction at the burning bush, on this very same mountain. Although we read of other personal prayers of Moses, we see that he’s almost continually in God’s presence, asking for guidance and interceding for the people he is leading.

On two occasions, Moses intercedes for family members. What situations surrounded his intercession, and what would have happened had he not stepped in to bridge the gap?

• Aaron: Exodus 32:1-14, 31-34, Deut. 9:20
• Miriam: Num. 12:13

What is particularly amazing about the interaction with Miriam is that Moses was the recipient of her poor treatment and jealousy. He could easily have stood back and let God deliver the punishment Miriam and Aaron deserved. Instead, he was quick to forgive and intercede for his sister’s healing. What a powerful reflection of God’s forgiving grace for sinners is seen here in the actions of Moses.

Read Matthew 5:44 and Colossians 3:13. How can you learn to do what you’re told here? Why is it important that you do?

Enoch Walked and Talked

Read Genesis 5:22-24. What, exactly, do we know about Enoch?

The Bible doesn’t share a lot about Enoch’s life, but it does tell us that he walked with God for 300 years until God took him to heaven. How beautiful that a person’s consistent devotion to God is what defines their life!

One thing we know is that Enoch must have been “continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Rom. 12:12, NKJV), persevering and growing closer to God in faith through his daily experiences. The earth was becoming increasingly evil in the time in which he was living, and Enoch kept busy serving God, but he couldn’t do this well without abiding in Him. “In the midst of a life of active labor, Enoch steadfastly maintained his communion with God. The greater and more pressing his labors, the more constant and earnest were his prayers.… After remaining for a time among the people, laboring to benefit them by instruction and example, he would withdraw, to spend a season in solitude, hungering and thirsting for that divine knowledge which God alone can impart. Communing thus with God, Enoch came more and more to reflect the divine image.… Even the ungodly beheld with awe the impress of heaven upon his countenance.”--Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 86, 87.

God doesn’t ask us to live like hermits or monks, so separate from the world that we are of no earthly use. Like Enoch, we can be productive and aware of the needs around us, but it’s only by walking and talking with God through a steady, abiding relationship that He can reflect His wonderful character through us.

We can pray anytime, anywhere. There is nowhere on earth that God doesn’t see or hear us (Ps. 139:7-12); He always hears the cries of our hearts, no matter where we are (read Lam. 3:55-57). Yet, there is something to be said for praying out loud instead of just in our minds. When we pray silently, we might become distracted or not even finish our train of thought or our sentence, and it can be harder for our thoughts to remain focused. But when we pray aloud, whether in a whisper or in our usual tone, it’s a reminder to ourselves that God is real, that He’s listening, and that we have something specific to talk about with Him.

As you go about your day today, where or how will you whisper a prayer in communion with Jesus?

The Posture of Prayer

When something goes wrong in our lives, most of us call a close friend to talk about it. When we have good news, we find someone to share it with. We can do the same with God. “Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend.”--Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 93.

Prayer not only keeps us connected to God but tells the devil whose we are. When we kneel to pray in the morning, it’s like a physical declaration to the powers of darkness that we choose God this day. Not only that, but God sends angels to our side when we pray, and we are fortified and covered from the enemy of darkness (Psalm 91).

The physical act of kneeling in submission shows a humble posture. It’s somehow different from sitting in a chair or lying in a bed while we pray, although we can pray in these positions, too. However, when we kneel before God we show that we are ready to serve God with all our hearts, as our body and our words declare that He is sovereign and that we are merely His created children.

Read the following Bible passages and consider the lives of these individuals who knelt when they prayed: Dan. 6:10, Luke 22:41, Acts 7:60, Acts 9:40, Acts 20:36.

Standing in prayer was a common practice in Bible times (2 Chron. 20:5-6, 13; 1 Sam. 1:26; Job 30:20; Luke 18:11, 13). The Bible also shares examples of people who sat when they prayed (2 Sam. 7:18). Others prostrated themselves before God, with their face on the earth--although this posture was less commonly associated with prayer, but rather submission before a superior (1 Kings 1:47, Mark 14:35).

What is your usual posture when you pray? The Bible doesn’t require us to pray in any particular posture, but postures are important, as they reflect our reverence, our inner feelings, and our desire to surrender to God. Some people are unable to kneel, so, ultimately, it’s the heart condition that matters most. If you can kneel but usually don’t, why not try kneeling next time you pray and see how it affects your time with God?

The Bible invites us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17), implying constancy (Col. 4:2) and perseverance (Rom. 12:12). Today, as you stand, sit, lie, or walk, turn your thoughts to God and talk to Him as your Friend. Begin right now.

Faithful Daniel

Daniel is one of the great heroes of the Bible. We know the first story, too (see Daniel 1): “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies” (Dan. 1:8, NKJV). Also, to Daniel and his three friends, “God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams” (Dan. 1:17, NKJV). The Bible describes Daniel as wise (Dan. 1:20; Dan. 2:14, 21, 23, 48) because the Spirit of God was in him (Dan. 4:9, 18; Dan. 5:14; Dan. 6:3), and he was greatly beloved by Heaven (Dan. 9:23, Dan. 10:11). These are some descriptors of a man who had a strong, abiding connection with God.

In Daniel 2, when King Nebuchadnezzar issued a death decree to all wise men in Babylon, Daniel sought God’s mercy concerning the secret of his dream (Dan. 2:18). When God revealed the king’s dream to Daniel, he immediately prayed.

Read Daniel 2:20-23. Why did Daniel pray, and what can we learn from this prayer?

As the years passed by and kings rose and fell, Daniel remained an advisor to the kings and was described as distinguished “because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm” (Dan. 6:3, NKJV). “He was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him” (Dan. 6:4, NKJV). Despite fierce jealousy and evil plotting (Dan. 6:5-9) from his peers, Daniel remained ever constant and fearless in his prayer life.

Read Daniel 6:10-11. What do these verses tell us about Daniel?

When faced with difficulty, Daniel prayed. Although the threat was against his life, he was consistent and persistent in prayer (three times every day, as was his custom), and predictable (at his open window three times a day as he prayed toward Jerusalem). His prayer was a physical act (he knelt) and focused on thanksgiving and supplication.

In light of a story like this, how weak are your excuses for not praying?

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: Dan. 2:20-23; Dan. 6:10-11; Acts 20:36; Gen. 5:22-24; Exod. 33:15-23; Exod. 32:31-32

Memory Text: “I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live” (Psalm 116:1-2, NKJV).

Imagine if you rarely spoke to your best friend or your spouse. Very soon the relationship would break down, and there’d be a problem. In the same way, prayer is an essential part of having a close relationship with God. It is a crucial devotional habit, one that each of us needs and can strengthen. If we don’t pray often and continually, we will wander from the Lord sooner or later.

In the Bible, we learn about the lives of different individuals who prayed in different ways. We can step back and catch a glimpse into how their communion with God impacted their relationship with Him, how and what we might also pray for, and how their prayers changed the lives of others. It is true: our prayer life impacts not only ourselves but others as well.

Just like Bible study, this topic of prayer is both huge and important and much broader than what can be covered in just two weeks. This week we’ll learn some lessons from some of the those in the Bible who prayed and showed us just how central prayer is to having a strong relationship with God. Let’s learn from their examples.

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, May 9.