Unanswered Prayers

As we go through our lives, we are faced with many occasions where we have specific wants and needs.  We desire a particular thing and sometimes even ask God to make it happen. Maybe we want a promotion or a job offer.  During this pandemic and quarantine, we might be asking to help us make it through every day.

When the job offer doesn’t come through, we wonder if we are being heard.  We may not understand why our prayers weren’t answered.

From “Unanswered Prayers” by Garth Brooks

Sometimes I thank God 
For unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talkin' 
To the man upstairs
That just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care
Cause some of God's greatest gifts 
Are unanswered prayers

For me, I have learned, that there is always a reason.  It may not be obvious at first, but as time passes, the reason is revealed and I am grateful that my prayers were not answered.  Different jobs I have interviewed for, and felt very qualified to be offered, did not pan out.  I was upset and wondered what I was doing wrong.  I prayed to be offered the opportunity in these new positions.  

“Sometimes the blessing is in the prayer not being answered.” 

Andrena Sawyer

It is only now, that I can look back and say, “Thank God I didn’t get those jobs.” As they say, hindsight is 20/20.  Today I can clearly see the different responsibilities those jobs would have required of me during this pandemic, and that my life would be much more stressful had I been offered one of those opportunities I so coveted.  

Praying and asking for guidance offers us a comfort that cannot be felt on our own.  When we are faced with illness, suffering, and pain, there is a tranquility in seeking solace from a Higher Power.  Whether recovering and being relieved of our pain is from medical science or a spiritual power is insignificant.  Know that your prayers will be answered, just maybe not in the way you anticipated.  

There are more tears shed over answered prayers than over unanswered prayers.

Saint Teresa of Avila