👉 Is prayer a formula? Do longer prayers mean more power? And what about unanswered prayers—does it mean God isn’t listening?
Let’s be honest.
Prayer has become a bit… confusing.
You hear some folks shouting with fire and thunder—like God is deaf.
Others are whispering solemn words with practiced poise—like they’re writing a King James sonnet.
Some talk like they’re giving God orders.
Others talk like He’s not even listening.
No wonder so many Christians are frustrated, disillusioned, and—let’s admit it—bored with prayer.
But here’s the question:
What did we get wrong?
🧪 Prayer Isn’t a Formula
You’ve heard it before:
“ACTS—Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication.”
It’s helpful, sure.
But God isn’t a vending machine you plug steps into and expect a soda can of blessings to drop out.
Jesus didn’t give His disciples a formula.
He gave them a framework.
“Our Father, who art in Heaven…”
He reminded them prayer was about relationship—not technique.
⏱️ Longer ≠Louder
Some people think, “If I just pray longer, maybe God will hear me.”
So they go on and on, repeating words, thinking quantity = power.
But Jesus said the opposite:
“When you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.” – Matthew 6:7
God is not impressed by length.
He’s moved by faith.
It’s not about the length of your prayer—
It’s about the depth of your heart.
🙉 What About Unanswered Prayers?
Let’s be real.
This is where most people struggle.
You prayed with tears.
You fasted.
You believed.
And… nothing.
Did God not hear?
Did you not pray “well” enough?
Did you miss the right words?
Here’s truth:
Unanswered ≠Unheard
“The Lord hears His people when they call to Him.” – Psalm 34:17
God isn’t a genie.
He’s a Father.
And sometimes, the best gift a father gives…
is the “No” or the “Not yet.”
Because while you see now,
God sees forever.
🧠What We Get Wrong
Let’s call out the myths:
- Myth: Powerful prayer must be loud or long.
Truth: The most powerful prayer can be a whisper of surrender. - Myth: If God doesn’t answer, you’re doing something wrong.
Truth: God’s silence is not always rejection. It could be redirection—or protection. - Myth: Prayer is about getting what you want.
Truth: Prayer is about becoming who God wants.
đź’ˇ So, How Should We Really Pray?
- Pray like a child, not an employee.
Don’t clock in with formality—just be honest.
“Abba Father” means Daddy. Come as you are. - Speak, then listen.
Prayer is conversation, not monologue. Wait. Pause. Listen. - Use Scripture.
Pray God’s promises back to Him. Align your words with His will. - Be persistent, but not manipulative.
Jesus taught persistence (Luke 18), not pestering. Trust, don’t twist. - Don’t fake it.
God prefers a raw “God, I don’t know what to say…”
over a polished “Thou art holy, and I beseech Thee…”
🙏🏽 Final Thoughts
Prayer isn’t about performance.
It’s about presence.
It’s not an emergency line for only bad days—
It’s an open door to your Father, every day.
And no, you don’t have to impress Him.
You just have to come.
Because prayer doesn’t always change your situation.
But it always changes you.