The delay in the answer to prayer

Keep on praying.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

One of the greatest drawbacks to the life of prayer is that the answer does not come as quickly as we expect. (...) There may be a reason for the delay, and the waiting may bring a blessing. Our desire must grow deeper and stronger, and we must ask with our whole heart. God puts us into the practicing school of persevering prayer so that our weak faith may be strengthened.

Above all, God wants to draw us into closer fellowship with Him. When our prayers are not answered, we learn that the fellowship and love of God are more to us than the answers of our requests, and then we continue in prayer (...).

Ask whether your prayer is really in accordance with the will of God and the Word of God. Ask if it is in the right spirit and in the name of Christ. You will learn that the delay in the answer is one of the most precious ways God gives you His grace.

365 Daily Devotions on Prayer

Andrew Murray