Under what circumstances does YHVH not answer prayers? Whose prayers does he not hear much less answer? The answers to these questions may shock some people who have been misled by the mainstream church to believe that YHVH Elohim is their divine sugar-daddy in the sky who is like a cosmic vending machine—every time you put in your coin and push the button, you’re automatically guaranteed to get something yummy in return. In reality, the Bible teaches us to view Elohim very differently. The Scriptures have a lot to say on this subject.

Before sharing what the Scriptures have to say about answered and unanswered prayer, consider this. YHVH Elohim is holy (Heb. kadosh) or set-apart and totally righteous. By his mercy and grace we exist. He doesn’t need us; we need him. He’s not obligated to do anything for us. To think that he is duty-bound to bless us by hearing, much less answering our prayers is presumptuous at the least, and arrogant and self-centered at the most, and it doesn’t line up with what the Scriptures say on the subject. If we have been guilty of this erroneous belief, it is time to repent and to line up our hearts and minds with what the Word of Elohim teaches us on this subject. If we operate within the perimeters of YHVH’s Word, we’re more likely to have our prayers answered. YHVH Elohim follows his own word, and so should we.

Remember these wise words from Solomon:

Walk prudently when you go to the house of Elohim; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before Elohim. For Elohim is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few.… a fool’s voice is known by his many words.…For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed…Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of Elohim that it was an error. Why should Elohim be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands? For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear Elohim. (Eccl 5:1–4, 6)

There is a severe dearth of the fear of Eohim in the modern church, and this is contrary to what the Scriptures reveal should be our approach to the Almighty Creator and is thus offensive to him. It is time that the saints had a higher, more respectful view of Elohim and a lower view of themselves, and this has to do with our approach to prayer as well.

The “Phone Lines” to Elohim Are Not Always Open

Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not come near him. (Ps 32:6)

This infers that sometimes YHVH may be found when his people seek him, and sometimes he may not be found.

Give ear to my prayer, O Elohim, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy.  (Ps 55:1)

This teaches us that sometimes YHVH hides his face, even from his people who seek him in prayer.

It’s Not Guaranteed YHVH Will Hear All Prayers

O YHVH Elohim of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O Elohim of Jacob! Selah. (Ps 84:8)

If David had to cry out to Elohim to hear his prayers, then this indicates that he was humble enough to admit that YHVH wasn’t obligated to hear his prayers, or that sometimes the prayers of a sinful man might be offensive to a holy or set-apart Elohim. Who are we as mere sinful mortals to presume that the almighty, qadosh and righteous Elohim is duty-bound to hear our prayers? What self-righteous pride to think so!

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O YHVH, in the acceptable time; O Elohim, in the multitude of Your mercy, hear me in the truth of Your salvation. (Ps 69:13)

If there is an acceptable time to pray, than there is an unacceptable time to pray. If we pray at the unacceptable time, can we automatically presume that YHVH will hear us?

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to YHVH, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him. (Prov 15:8)

Clearly, YHVH doesn’t hear the prayers of wicked sinners.

YHVH Reject Some Prayers

Blessed be Elohim, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me. (Ps 66:20)

This infers that there are instances when YHVH will even reject the prayers of the righteous.

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to YHVH, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him. (Prov 15:8)

When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. (Isa 1:15)

This warning was directed to backslid Israel. No doubt YHVH’s people thought that they were righteous and worthy of having their prayers answered, but clearly, through Isaiah the prophet, YHVH informed them otherwise.

You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. (Jas 4:3)

If we pray selfishly, YHVH won’t answer our prayers. James is addressing the saints here, not the wicked.

Unforgiveness and Offences Block our Prayers

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (Mark 11:25)

When we have ought against our brother, it is pointless to bring our gift  (prayer) to YHVH’s altar (throne) and expect him to hear our prayer.

Sin in the Life of the Saint Can Prevent Their Prayers from Being Heard

If I regard iniquity in my heart, Adonai will not hear. (Ps 66:18)

How Prayers Can Be Hindered

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. (1  Pet 3:7)

If you have ought with our husband or wife, our prayers will hindered.

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. (1 Pet 4:7)

The inference here is that if the saint is not sober-minded when he prays, then YHVH may not hear their prayers.

YHVH isn’t impressed By Certain Types of Prayers

Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes…for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation. (Mark 12:38–40)

YHVH opposed to long, ostentatious, self-exalting prayers.

Furthermore, in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Puiblican (tax collector), Yeshua teaches us that YHVH doesn’t hear the prayers of arrogant and self-righteous individuals (Luke 18:10–14).

YHVH Won’t Hear Prayers on Behalf of HIs Reprobate, Backslid People

When a nation or people are so backslid, so that YHVH is forced to bring judgment upon them, he won’t hear prayers offered on their behalf even by the saints.

Though I call and cry for help, he shuts out my prayer. (Lam 3:8)

As for you, do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with me, for I will not hear you. (Jer 7:16)

Therefore do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer on their behalf, for I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their trouble. (Jer 11:14 )

O YHVH Elohim of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers? (Ps 80:4)