John Mark Comer Teachings Unanswered Prayer | Prayer E4 (From the Archive)
52 snips
Feb 16, 2026 
John Mark Comer, pastor and author who teaches practical Christian formation, wrestles with why prayers seem unanswered. He outlines a fifteen-reason framework, explores competing wills, free will, spiritual opposition, and the role of lament. He closes with practices for honest prayer and a guided lament to bring grief and trust before God.
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Suffering Is Normal This Side Of Return
- Life is fallen and often painful, so unanswered prayer can reflect normal brokenness rather than God's absence.
- Comer urges a theology of suffering that expects trials until Christ's return and reframes some unanswered prayers as part of that reality.
Pray For Influence, Not Control
- Pray for influence, not control, when asking God to change another person's heart.
- Persist in prayer but expect God to woo and work gradually rather than force choices from others.
No Can Be God's Mercy
- God often says no because he knows a better future or because an unanswered prayer prevents greater harm.
- Comer frames divine 'no' as paternal wisdom that can protect us or open different blessings.
