Introduction

In today’s society when something goes right for people they say, “My prayers have been answered!” If something doesn’t go right for people they say, “Well, God is testing me to see if I really want it.” Or they might say, “God hasn’t said ‘Yes’ yet.” Did it ever occur to them that God might say ‘No’? Of course not! Because most of the religious people out there think that God would never say ‘No’.

Praying the Wrong Prayer?

Here’s a perfect example; televangelist Fred Price has written a book called, “Answered Prayer Guaranteed”. From Amazon.com, here’s part of the description of his book:

This veteran pastor debunks the teaching on prayer that says, “Sometimes God says Yes, sometimes He says No, and sometimes He says Wait.” Too often Christians simply pray the wrong prayer and expect God to cover for them.

“Christians simply pray the wrong prayer” is the statement made by Fred Price. Is there such a thing as a wrong prayer? Yes, there is! Someone who prays for wrong things like: Winning the lottery, Hoping the boss gets food poisoning, wanting the waitress at the diner to see him as more than a customer. All of these are wrong types of prayers as they are sinful in nature. All three examples are about self and moving ahead in life (or just getting through life without complications).

But when you read the above description of his book, a person can simply alter their prayer (such as the three examples above) and eventually God will say “Yes” to all of them.

What does the bible say?

Let’s look at a couple of examples in scriptures of prayers…

We’re all familiar with the apostle Paul and his ‘thorn in the flesh’ from 2 Cor. 12:7-9? It is written, “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

God answered Paul’s prayer, and He said, “No”. Does this mean that the apostle Paul, chosen by God, prayed the wrong prayer? According to Mr. Price, he did! Maybe he should have reworded his prayer and asked it differently. But, if you read verse 9 again, Paul seemed content with the answer. Why? Because he put his life in God’s hands. If it was God’s will that he was burdened with this ‘thorn’, then Paul would accept it.

Another example is found in the Old Testament. Jeremiah, one of God’s prophets, and an individual who knew how to pray right, was told by God not to bother to pray on behalf of the people for He would not hear Jeremiah’s words. In Jer. 7:16, “Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me; for I will not hear thee.” And again in 11: 14, “Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me because of their trouble.” God would not hear his prayers for the people of Israel. They were disobedient and turned their backs by worshipping idols and offer sacrifices to the other gods.

These two examples seem to go against Mr. Price’s belief in a wrong prayer. He wants everyone to believe that one’s prayer will be answered in a positive light if you pray the right prayer. And this means to the extent of changing your prayer numerous times until you get the desired result.

The Same with Spreading the Gospel

One of the challenges we, as Christians, have is trying to share the gospel with others that we encounter in our daily lives. We want to study with people and help them to know God and understand the importance of salvation (2 Cor. 5:11).

However, not everyone is interested in this idea and will turn us down by saying, “No.” We have to appreciate this response and accept it at face value no matter how frustrating it can be. Frustrating because, when you hear a string of “No” as you go along, it can be discouraging to us.

Some will refuse to accept their answer of “No” and keep “hounding them”. One of two things may result: First, by constantly bothering them, they may realize that the group you represent (the local congregation) are all like this and will flat out refuse to be a part of them. Second, you may wear them down to agree to a study, but it may prove fruitless or bear the wrong fruit. That is to say, that should they become converted, it will be to make you happy and not themselves or God.

Taking no for an answer is part of the process. Remember, it is God who gives the increase not us (1 Cor. 3:6-7).

Jesus encounter the Rich Young Ruler (Mt. 19:16-22; Mk. 10:17-22; Lk. 18:18-23) and tried to get him to do what was right. But, in the end, the man said, “No.” Jesus didn’t go after him and make him change his mind. He accepted the rejection knowing that not all will follow Him (Mt. 7:21)

Notice what Peter said, The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

The last part says, “all should come to repentance”. It doesn’t say, “all WILL come to repentance”. That’s the difference, He knows all won’t because God made us freewill agents. We have the right to choose salvation or condemnation.

Conclusion

When you are praying or talking to people about the gospel, remember that sometimes the answer will be no and we have to accept that response. There’s nothing that says we can’t be available for another opportunity later on.

The same prayer, prayed a month later, might get that positive result. And that person, that turned you down for a study, might track you down and agree to one or simply have a bible question to ask. Whatever the outcome, we should be mature enough to accept any answer that comes our way.