Pray Less, Listen More in 2025

As a Christian, I have been told one thing since I learned to read and write and that is “The more you pray the more you get close to God and the more he answers”. Through divine guidance, I have come to realize that the less I pray and the more I pay attention to God’s directions, the better my life becomes. This is one belief that seems to be more difficult to do but definitely more rewarding.

The fact is “The more you pray, the lesser you listen”. There are 7 billion people in the world, so why will God spend 2 hours with you? Praying for a very long time means mumbling and repeating the same things. Perhaps you should think about those times when you received a message while you were not paying attention and the message later became the key to resolving your issues. Yes! I have witnessed this several times. I get a clue when I am paying the least attention, only to regret not using such clues when needed.

Perhaps you should also understand the reasons why many of your prayers have not been answered and what you can do about them.

Why Your Prayers Don’t Get Answered

1. Misalignment with Divine Will

Many religious traditions teach that prayers must align with God's will or a higher plan. If a request doesn't serve a greater purpose or isn't in the best interest of the person, it may not be granted. It is therefore important to know the alignment between your prayers and God’s divine will for you.

2. Timing

The desired answer might come later than expected. The delay can be a time of growth, preparation, or testing. The popular saying goes “God’s time is the best”. You have no other choice but to wait for his divine will for your life.

3. Lack of Faith or Sincerity

Some beliefs emphasize the importance of praying with faith, trust, and pure intent. Doubt or a lack of genuine commitment may hinder the effectiveness of prayer.

4. Unresolved Issues or Sin

Certain teachings suggest that unresolved conflicts, unrepentant sin, or harboring ill will toward others can create a barrier to answered prayers.

5. Lessons or Growth

Challenges may be opportunities for personal growth, character development, or deeper spiritual insight. Prayers might be answered in unexpected ways that contribute to this growth.

6. Human Free Will

The actions and decisions of others, influenced by their free will, can affect outcomes despite prayers.

7. A Broader Perspective

The answer might come in a different form than expected, or it might already be present but not recognized as such. What seems unanswered may actually be an invitation to see things from a new perspective.

8. Silence as an Answer

Silence itself might be a form of response, encouraging trust, perseverance, or a deeper relationship with the divine. God answers in three ways; yes! No! and silence. His silence may mean the time for your prayers to be answered is not now.

9. External Factors

Natural laws, circumstances, or external factors beyond personal control may play a role in outcomes. External factors can be physical or spiritual and most times we put ourselves in difficult situations where such factors can influence our chances of getting answers to our prayers.

10. Testing or Strengthening Faith

Some believe unanswered prayers can be a test of faith, patience, and trust in divine wisdom.

Bottom Line

With less than 48 hours to end 2024, I can only guarantee you one thing; those who pay the most attention, and talk less will probably get more answers to their prayers than those who mumble too many words.

This is my observation!