Unanswered Prayers

This week’s Brite lesson teaches kids that God hears every prayer. They’re learning that talking to God isn’t just about asking for things—it’s about trusting Him because He loves us and always knows what is best.

Sometimes kids wonder why God doesn’t answer a prayer the way they hoped. Those can be hard conversations, and it’s okay if we don’t always have an answer. This week, we’re reminding kids that unanswered prayers don’t change who God is. He is still good, He still loves us, and He is always with us.

This week, ask your kid if there’s anything they’ve been praying about. Pray together, thank God for hearing you, and remind them that they can always bring their hopes, questions, and worries to Him.

Here’s how we discussed this topic and how you can discuss it at home: 

Discuss: Does God answer every prayer just like we pray it?

Discuss: Could unanswered prayers make it hard for people to believe in God? Why?

Discuss: What does God have to say about that?

Say: Some people say that they don’t believe in God because their prayers weren’t answered. It is important to remember that God isn’t like the genie in a bottle. The genie did whatever was asked of it by the person who rubbed the lamp. God doesn’t do everything we ask because He knows what is best for us and for His plan for the whole world. Romans 8:28a says: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good. Just because God doesn’t do what we ask doesn’t mean He isn’t real. He hears every prayer, and He does answer. Sometimes His answer is no. Sometimes it is wait—not right now. Even when God doesn’t answer our prayers like we want, talking to Him can help us grow closer to Him as we learn to trust His will.