When God seems to Keep Silent. Opinion Poll vol 2

 

Sometimes, it looks as if God keeps silent to our prayers. During this time, many Christians do lose faith in God. The question is does God actually keep silent?

 

So, in this opinion poll, another random question was asked on what they can do when it looks as if God is keeping silent. These people offered their suggestions.

 

This is volume two. This  volume two has fifty=six responses. You can take time and go through them and vote for the best response in the comment section. The person with the highest votes will be rewarded. Below are the responses.

 

1.Ugwu Chisom  Enugu/Nsukka

 

I have been there, I can say it is not an easy one. All I did at that time when it seemed God was really silent on my prayers, supplications and needs was to pray more, attend the gatherings of brethren and wait. Attending these prayer meetings encouraged me a lot as I got my hope and faith renewed through the testimonies of people.

 

2.Elendu Rosemary Abia state , Bende

 

Whenever it looks as if God is keeping silent to our prayers I think that’s the time we need to first of all

 

(1) EXAMINE OUR LIFE:

 

Begin by asking yourself, is there any unconfessed sin in my life? Make sure nothing is blocking you from being able to hear God’s voice. Again you ask yourself, is there anything or anyone I love more than God?

As God brings things to mind, as for His forgiveness.

 

(2) LISTEN TO WHAT GOD IS SAYING TO YOU:

 

Although God may seem silent regarding a specific request or petition. Remember that He is in a constant state of communication with us. All you need to do is keep calm and listen.

 

(3) RECOGNIZE THAT SILENCE CAN BE INTIMATE;

 

Silence can also be a sign of God’s trust in you.

The gospel of John tells a story about Jesus’ friends Lazarus, Mary & Martha, when Jesus found out that Lazarus was I’ll, rather than rush to his house and heal him, He stayed where He was for two more days (John 11:6) and before Jesus arrived in Bettany, Lazarus died.

To Lazarus’ sisters, Mary & Martha, Jesus’ silence could have been interpreted as neglect- that Jesus did not care about or want to help them.

This mirrors many of the emotions we feel when God does not immediately answer our cries for help…….

Just because God seems silent doesn’t mean you should doubt Him or stop praying.

God’s silence isn’t a license for us to turn our backs on Him, instead it’s an invitation to press forward and seek Him even more diligently.

 

May God help us in Jesus’ name Amen.

 

3.Kelechi Jacenta Isu LGA Imo State

 

Good afternoon Fr. and thank you for this topic because I believe we will learn a lot from this and why I should keep on living and believe that one day God will answer all my unanswered prayers.

When God keeps silent to my prayers I feel weak both spiritual and physical.

Sometimes I stopped praying.

Also, sometimes I become angry with God.

Sometimes I ask God questions.

Sometimes I feel maybe my sin is too bad. God doesn’t want to forgive me.

Also, sometimes I ask myself why those people that believe in God face more challenges and difficulties than those people they see as evil people and bad influence to others.

Sometimes I feel like I have stopped living, even though I have asked God to come and take me that I am tired of this world and praying.

Even though there’s one prayer request I have been presenting to God for three years till now but the request is still unanswered and I concluded that my own case is different.

 

4.Divine Providence Anambra

 

Does God actually keep silent? Is He deaf to our prayers? If He does, why? Does He derive joy in watching His children suffer?

 

This runs in each of our minds each time we are in trouble and will call upon Him and it seems He doesn’t care. Well the answer is NO.

 

We pray without knowing God’s aim and plan for us. Even the Holy book said His plan for us is good.

 

In my personal encounters with Him, I have seen His hands all through, though most times it doesn’t go according to my personal plans, but at the same time I noticed that where He led me to has always been better than what I prayed for and where I was headed.

 

When it seems He isn’t answering, be calm, stop praying for what you feel you want, start praying for His will to be done. It might take time in our human eyes but be rest assured He will lead you to a better place.

 

I have also come to realize that most things we pray for are those things that will hurt us in future without knowing, He knows it all and gently steers us to the right path.

 

5.Ogbudo Stephanie Edo State

 

When it seems as if God is keeping silent on me, I don’t know why but that’s when I actually pray the most because I feel He’s putting me to the test.

This has happened to me countless times and after a series of novenas and prayers…He finally responds in the most awesome way. Let me share a personal story; After my final exams in the university, the results came out and there were in total seven carry-overs from previous levels. These courses have never been reflected as carry over.

 

That day, I cried and prayed before the Blessed sacrament. Two of the courses were resolved, the remaining five courses were from my main courses. I went to the lecturers, demanded to see my result from their score sheets and lo and behold I passed those courses but resolving them despite what I have seen was difficult. I continued praying and decided to register for another session and rewrite the courses. To God be the glory forever and ever,on the day I was supposed to pay my fees… I went to see my exam officer and to my pleasant surprise all courses had been resolved.

 

That was when I realized that God’s keeping silent on me during all those months of praying was for a purpose; to strengthen my Faith in Him and also to know that during a test, the Teacher is always silent.

 

6.Akwuobi Chinaza MaryCynthia Anambra, Nteje

 

On one of the occasions when I had that kind of feeling, I was talking to a friend about it, that it seems like God doesn’t know of me anymore, his question was , what do you plan on doing then. My response was , “I’ll still continue talking to God , I’ll still continue saying my Rosary and going for mass because He is the only one I have , even if He has forgotten me , before long He’ll remember me again”. That’s what I do in those situations, and then I try not to think about the problems and in some cases when the situation makes me cry, I sing amidst my tears and listen to gospel music. And the result had always been that when I have forgotten about the problems, then my miracles come

 

7.Elizabeth Aiye Ogun State

 

It’s then we need to go close to God

Pray, have faith in him and hope all things will normalize

This period is to test our faith in God

And when we pray

God will come to our aid

 

8.Angela lkeota Lagos state, Delta state

 

When it seems that God is keeping silent to your prayers, don’t stop or be discourage, continue, but ask God to do his will in your life at his own appropriate time and wait patiently for the right time, because the problem with us, is that we want it all at our own time, forgetting that we are followers of Christ, and must wait patiently for him to lead the way, while we follow. Glory to Jesus.

 

9.Omotola Akinnusi Lagos

 

When God is silent on me means that God is up to something for me.

I will examine myself first, ask for forgiveness. I will keep praying, trust in him because silence is a sign of God’s trust in me, so I will keep talking to him,have faith in him and leave everything for him.

 

10.Anyanwu Ebere Monica IMO STATE- OWERRI

 

What I do when it seems God is keeping silent on me; I keep kneeling to God in prayers believing what he said in Matthew 7:7 as u shall receive, seek u shall find, knock and it will be opened unto u. In this situation also, I keep praying to Him for an increase in Faith and Hope never to let the act of keeping silent to my petitions wey me down or make me not to pray to him again. I also leave everything at his disposal believing I have done my own part by praying and then waiting patiently for Him because He knows the best time to answer me when I call.

 

In this situation also I can share with some of my priests laying before them the efforts I have made and then getting their own view and advice on what to do next. I will always keep smiling, never letting my mood change at any moment because I Know the devil is always happy when things go upside down for God’s children, so my happiness I will make sure it comes truly from my heart so as to remove every form of pretends. I won’t forget to run to my intercessor Mother Mary to ask her to take my unworthy prayers to the Son. My Bible will also be my companion at this point in time. I believe these are what I can do. Thank you

 

11.Okwuchukwu Benedeth Ndubuisi  Anambra

 

What will I do, nothing rather I will continue waiting upon him, he is the author and finisher of my faith he knows when and how to do what I am asking of him. He knows the best.

 

12. Eze Samson  Enugu, Nsukka

Whenever it Looks like God is not Answering my prayers, I go deeper in prayers, (Go to confession, 9days morning mass with full decades of Rosary). It helps. 13.Mamkaa Thaddeus Terhile Benue state I believe God hears prayers so when I prayed and is as if God is silent, I keep in faith and used the word PUSH ( pray until something happens) and I become sensitive and observant and watchful, it may be that my prayer has been answered in a way I can’t visibly see it. And if I do this and still feel nothing has happened I keep praying waiting for God’s appointed time.. 14.Egbunu Julius Enebi Kogi (Ankpa) Many times I feel frustrated and the thought of giving up always comes to my mind, but whenever I turn to the word of God I find peace and forget about my worries and keep on believing in his promise because at the appointed time it will come to pass. And I listen to music to take my mind off it. 15.Anonymous Firstly, I try some self -counselling ; I try to look inwards and try a somewhat review of my past life. I try to figure out what and what I’ve done or failed to do in the past that is blocking my Prayers, and if such realities (my wrongful acts or omissions), are revealed to me, as sometimes they ate, I humbly change my prayer points to asking for God’s forgiveness, naming my wrongs to Him one by one and then where possible, I try to make amends. In a situation where I can no longer undo what I’ve done wrong, I try to engage in self-denial, self- mortification, charity works, or sacrifices, etc. in order to do reparation and then appease God so my request will be granted. Where these fail, I seek the advice of my Spiritual Director.   A good example is: I often wondered why, as a reputable teacher, most of my children were and some are still having issues with their academics; only one has actually graduated from the University despite the fact that others have put in many years. At one point, I had to search for myself and then I recalled that in my last years as a teacher in a bad secondary school, I derailed so much by shirking my responsibility to be a true Christian and help the ignorant students achieve their purpose in life.   To some extent, I faced my studies and was negligent, resulting in a number of those children not making it in life. I feel guilty. Am still battling with the problem, even when some feel it may not be the cause, I still wonder why I got my PhD while in that school since 2008(retired in 2014) and up till now, my dream of getting a lectureship or other befitting jobs is still a mirage. I only do in-house proofreading but not regularly. I also try to draw strength from 2 pious societies(Legion of Mary Sacred Heart) to be at peace with my God. At one point, I became a regular adorer of the Blessed Sacrament .I also joined weekly online prayer meetings of old Charismatic Sisters of my Alma Mater. These help me to avoid depression.

16.Chukwu Mariagoretti Mmesoma Enugu State/ Nkanu west LGA

 

As Christians, we’re not always going to hear God, sometimes he just waits for the right time to speak. Take the life of job for instance, for the first 37 chapters in the book of job, God kept silent because he trusted Job and really wanted to prove to the devil that job was trustworthy. This opens our eyes to the fact that God’s silence can mean a whole lot of things and in such situations, we can find below a few practical things to do.

 

KEEP TALKING TO GOD AND KEEP SEARCHING FOR THE TRUTH IN HIS WORD.

 

That God seems silent doesn’t mean you should doubt him or stop praying. This is the time for you to seek him even more diligently, search his word and find out what it says about your situation. Look at biblical characters who experienced God’s silence and allow yourself to be encouraged by God’s later response to them.

 

EXAMINE YOUR LIFE

 

Psalm 66:18 says, “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened. Look inwards and see if there is any unconfessed sin in your life. As God brings those things to your mind, ask him for forgiveness.

 

POUR YOUR HEART OUT TO GOD.

 

Be honest with God about how you’re feeling. Open up and tell him all that is going on inside of you. We see this in the life of David. When he was frustrated with God, he talked about it in his Psalms. Being honest is an important thing to do in times of trouble.

 

MEDITATE ON THE PROMISES OF GOD

 

Even if we feel as if God is against us(which is absolutely not the case) we need to be reminded of God’s promises for us in the scriptures and how he is for us in the person of his son. The scriptures say, “He who did not spare his own but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

 

17.Marvelous Egbebike Imo State/Abia State).

 

When it seem like God is keeping silent to your prayers don’t lose hope and don’t relent in prayer, add more faith and work towards it, pray as if there is no tomorrow because a closed mouth is a close destiny and in the book Jeremiah 33:3; he said “call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not” and in the book Matthew 7:7– he said “ask and it shall be given unto you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. Then in the book of PS.145:18-19–says “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them”

 

Know ye that there is time for temptation and trouble, and know ye that what God aware of can’t happen though it may seem as God is silent but he is not use “Job” as a casa study

 

So when it looks like God is keeping silent; I will keep on disturbing him like the blind Bathimeus and I will add more faith and remind God of his words in the bible and keep on working towards my goal.

 

Thanks

 

18.Ijeoma  Enugu, Imo State

 

I cry so much. Because I think crying is human nature when things are not going as expected. After crying to my satisfaction, I start to meditate and pray to God to never give up on his promise to me. Then I pick myself up and start saying positive things to boost my spirit.

 

19.Izuchukwu Ogochukwu Anambra

 

I will perceive and say ” Father let your will be done in my life”, I will start praising him in thanksgiving and appreciation for all he has done in my life and the ones he is going to do more. Then I will worship him in spirit, I will call Him names e.g the Lion of Tribe of Judah, my Emmanuel, The King of Kings etc., Remind him of his promises in the scripture. Before you no it your prayers will be answered IJN Amen.

 

20.Eze Cynthia Eberechi Nsukka Enugu State.

 

In Luke 18:1-8. Jesus told his disciples to always pray and never get discouraged. Jesus also gave the parable of the widow and judge. If the judge could do what she asked of him because of her persistence how much more God our father.

In my own opinion I think it’s best to keep praying even when it seems God is silent. We don’t have to rush God; He knows what is best for us and will definitely give us that.

Keep praying and have faith do not despair. Perseverance is the key. But remember most times what we think is best for is not so God gives us what he feels is best but we fail to see it from the way God sees it. Let’s just pray that the will of God be done in our situation.

 

21.Onyema Maryann Anurika Imo

 

1. When it looks as if God is keeping silent on me; First I use to reflect on my way of life then communicate with Him in prayer reminding how He has been the source of all that I have, & my all and all.
2. I continue to pray and ask for His compassion and love.
3. attend daily mass with intentions that God will confirm my prayers.
4. I often pay a visit to the Blessed Sacrament.
5. I invoke the intercessions of our Lady with novena prayers and saying my rosary
6. Then I pray to my patron saint ( St. Rita of Cascia) and my guardian angel.
7. I try fasting and almsgiving to back up my prayers.
8. I do read daily inspiration words and at times with some Bible verses to lift myself.
9. Last but not the least, I applied a prayer secret by my spiritual director. It’s a praise technique, which moves God to act faster at that point.

 

Thanks Father and remain blessed

 

22. Agwoile Paschalina Anambra, Egbengwu Nimo

 

First I Ponder on all my bad and good deeds. I will go to confession, visit the blessed the sacrament and have some minutes of silence there, followed by discussing my difficulties with God. I talk with him as though I was talking to my mum(because she is the closest to me).

Sometimes I cry out, sometimes I just sing some hymns(after the discussion), after which I pray to him to at least give me the strength I need to push through my difficulty without offending him, without committing sin.

Then subsequently, I still calmly beg him to please consider my plea and help me before my difficulty wins over me.

 

23. Golu Chetachukwu Angela Anambra State. Agulu, in Anaocha LGA

 

When you realise that God is silent concerning your prayers, never give up. Listen more to his word and be devoted to his purpose for you, amidst his silence, as the veritable background for deepening your faith in him alone. As you wait for him, remember his graceful moments in your life. Live the faith without even stopping, and pray more sincerely than ever. There’s replacement for hard work, trust in God and living the faith in true love of God and neighbor along with perseverance till the end, for “faith is the way and all is given by grace” (Romans 4:16).

 

God can also keep silent sometimes. When he keeps silent, keep waiting on him. Keep praying!

God answers prayers in 3 ways: Yes, I am doing it immediately.

No, I am not doing it, it won’t favour you.

Yes, I’ll do it, but not now.

Live the faith!

Keep your hopes alive on God with “sincere” perseverance!

Keep praying!

 

24. Christian Udeh Anambra State… Ihiala L.G.A.…

 

When it look as if God is keeping silent on me=

Firstly I will keep on praying

Charity =when you give the measure you give you receive charity covers a multitude of sin.

 

25. Asogwa Olivia Enugu

 

I will simply wear the coat of resilience. I will multiply the duration of my prayers believing that God will surely remember me someday. Because I strongly believe that in HIS (GOD) silence; he is arranging events for me.

 

26. Innocent Benedict Ifeanyichukwu Imo State but stays in Ibadan, Oyo state

 

To me, perseverance remains the order of the day. Because I strongly believe that God has His own way of doing things according to the Holy scripture. (Ephesians ) When such arises, I strongly believe that God is planning a bigger surprise for me. Pax!

 

27. Agbiogwu Maryjane IMO,Ehime Mbano Umunumo Umuezeama

 

I never lose hope,it is then that my faith becomes strong in God. I continued praying because I know the God I serve. He has never disappointed me since I accepted Him as my Lord and saviour. When I prayed and it seems God kept silent to me,I made prayer my food day and morning. When I remember Job in the bible ,my faith becomes stronger because my suffering has not reached what Job suffered .

 

28. Maureen Ng Anambra State

 

What I do each time I am in that state is very simple and has always worked for me.

1. I do a deep and true examination of conscience, back it up with a sincere sacrament of penance(confession).

 

2. I’ll sing praises eeeh, sing and sing like all depends on it, bearing in mind that “IF U OH GOD MY LOVE SHOULD FORSAKE ME, TO WHOM DO I RUN TO?

 

3. Brethren in the pool of that praise I could burst into tears and I will have this feeling of WELCOME HOME MY CHILD, I don’t know how God does it but from then on I live at peace with Him and feel loved again and most importantly RELIEVED again .

 

4. TRY IT, TRY IT AND SEE IT WORKS

 

29. Mrs Ezike Clara Imo State,Orlu Local Government

 

What I do when it seems as if God is keeping silent to my prayers,I will keep on singing praises to God,and continue with my prayers because God said that we should keep on praying until something happens, pray in season and out of season, God said that we should ask and it shall be given unto us,he said for his words not to come to pass let heaven and Earth pass away,so we should have faith in him,his words must come to pass in our life’s it’s his promise to us,so shall it be.

 

30. Nwankwo Ogechukwu Veronica Ebonyi, Ezza North

 

1. Examining my life: By confessing my sin, again asking myself if there’s anything I love more than God.
2. Accept God’s authority as the supreme Master/Father.
3. Listen to what God is saying (discernment).
4. Keep talking to God (Perseverance)..

Am a living testimony…

Remain blessed..Amen.

 

31. Amadi Caroline Chika Mbaitoli Imo State

 

I cry more to God asking for His mercies bc I start doubting whether he has forgiven me my sins, I also cry more to our Mother Mary asking for her intercession for me at the Throne of Mercy

 

32. NWABUISI ONYEBUCHI SAMUEL Anambra State

 

Basically nothing but keep hoping because what he can’t do doesn’t exist & if things don’t go as i wish; i will it’s God’s wish for nothing happens without his approval.

 

33. Austin Ugochukwu Imo State

 

GOD ANSWERS WHEN WE CALL.

God is all knowing who knows what, how and when best I need anything. However, when I petition my needs to God and He’s quiet, I will go deep within myself (Contemplation) and find out what God wants of me that makes Him to be so silent and then wait. When He finally answers the prayers, I would solely prefer and cherish it at that moment than when I needed it.

 

34. Ginika Anthony FCT, Abuja…. Anambra State

 

I begin to ask myself and check if there is any area of my life that is displeasing God, perhaps that could be the reason for God’s silence.

 

35. Mr. Imoh Michael  Akwa Ibom

 

What I should do when it looks as if God is silent on me:

 

I will be steadfast in prayer, be patient and persevere.

 

36. Okeke Chioma Agatha Anambra, Ezinifite Aguata

 

I feel a little bit discouraged then I remembered a parable of the wicked judge in the Bible where the neighbor continued disturbing the door until he opened the door to Grant her request. I will keep on praying until He answers or receives a message why the prayer won’t be answered.

Thanks.

 

37. Annie Dera Imo

 

I always pray with the intention that His will be done in my life. If He isn’t saying anything about a particular situation, I assume it’s not his will yet and patiently wait for Him.

 

38. Nwezza Angela Ebonyi State

 

I cry, I become depressed . Then I go to the priest in confession. After which I pray harder and I also fast hoping God will be moved.

 

39. Chikwendu Olivia Imo state, ikeduru

 

You wait, you trust, you have faith and continue praying. Pray without ceasing.

 

40. ABRAHAM Utenwo-Ojo Comfort Ankpa, Kogi State

 

When it seems like God is silent to my prayers, I make sure I carry out the following test of faith:

1. I examine my life; Is there any sin I’m hiding inside of me? Is there anyone or anything I love more than God? Am I harboring unforgiveness in my life? I make sure all of this is in check.

Because the Bible made us understand that we have to forgive one another our sins so that our God in heaven who is faithful and willing will forgive us.

 

2. I accept God’s Authority; I accept the fact that God is divine and Almighty, he is not obligated or compelled to answer me at a particular time, he does and follows his ways known to him alone so I let him take charge and I follow as he commands.

 

3. Also, I listen to what God is saying; Most times, silence is golden. Those times that God is silent, he wants to test our faith and trust in him. His silence can be intimate, I just have to find answers and solace. In his word -God’s word; The Holy Bible is the complete answer to whatever I need in this life, that’s his best form of communication to us so I hold on to it with all of me.

 

I use the story of Lazarus in John11 at this period most times because when it seems as though Jesus wasn’t ready to come and heal Lazarus, he came to raise him from the dead. The Bible states clearly that he stayed some extra two days, which made Martha and Mary worry, but he finally came to raise him from the dead. When I wait on God in silence, I avoid every form of worry in my life.

 

4. I keep talking and praying to God; Even when it seems all strength is failing and God is silent, I keep asking him to give me the grace and strength to wait on him, I know I can’t do it alone, I’m human and my strength will fail me. I keep trusting in him and praying to Him for daily strength to wait on him.

The same thing as Job did in the book of Job when all hope was lost, he never stopped thanking, praising, and praying to God then God showed him that he is still in the business of answering prayers.

 

I never neglect all of the above. I wait on God because I know that he is God from beginning till the end, there is no place for argument, he is God all by himself.

 

41. Kingsley ADONU Enugu

 

Increase my rate of prayer.. and have faith that at an appointed time, God will answer my prayers.

 

42. Ibeawuchi Monica Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo State

 

When you must have tried prayer and it still looks as if God is keeping silent on you, then you need to activate the altar of praise and thanksgiving. The Bible tells us that God dwells in the praises of his people.Thank Him for a prayer answered even though He is yet to answer you.

Then ask God for forgiveness of your sins.

 

43. Anyagaigbo Chiamaka Juliet Ugwuele, Uturu in Abia State

 

What I do when it looks as if God is keeping silent on me I cry,I cry myself to sleep and then wake up and continue crying but one thing for sure is that I won’t stop coming or rather praying to him until the silence is broken.

 

44. Chibueze Evaristus Egbueri  Nigeria/Imo

 

I believe God’s time is the best. So whenever it seems God is keeping silent on my prayers, I keep on trusting in Him.

 

45. Ugwuanyi Juliet Nneka Nsukka in Enugu State

 

God sees and knows everything about us even before we were born. So when it seems that He is silent, He is not actually silent. That is why He said that the thought He has for us is not of evil but that of good.

 

Example: when you pray for a car and He knows that car will cause you premature death. He will not grant it till the right and save time for you to have the car. Keep the faith and trust because He is not actually silent and He knows the best for us.

 

46. Onuigbo Chiamaka Sandra Anambra

 

When you think that God is keeping silent in ur prayers, you examine yourself. Also go for confession, make sacrifices like helping the needy, the motherless , the less privileged and always remind him of his words whenever you pray.

 

47. Adeline Chidinma Imo

 

Most times I see It as God has abandoned me, I take it as my sins have gotten at me, but I don’t relent, rather I keep prayer in tears and still believe in God.

 

48. Ogbonna Lynda Ifunanya Nsukka, Enugu State

 

In my own view,when it looks as if God is keeping silent on you,it might;

___be your sins that is a barrier between you and God

___ or it’s not yet time for what you are asking from Him, our time is not his time

___or what you are asking for might not be what He wants to bless you with. He has a better plan for you.

So when you pray and it seems he is not listening. Try and find out where you went astray, be honest with yourself.

I will summarize this with proverbs 16:1,2,3,9.

Vs 1;We make our plans, but God has the last word.

Vs 2; You may think everything you do is right, but the lord judges your motives.

Vs 3; Ask the lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.

Vs 9; You may make your plans but God disrespects your actions.

My opinion.

 

49. NNOROM EUCHERIA CHINWENDU ABOH MBAISE, IMO STATE.

 

What to do when it looks as if God is silent on you;

1. Confession: most times when we pray and ask God for forgiveness, it is not enough. We need to free our heart, mind, put away grudges and let go. Allow love to lead, in our hearts and our environment and people around us will also feel the impact of this love.

Furthermore, before we go for confession make up your mind to let go, no matter the situation you find yourself, whether you are oppressed live it for God, in difficulty live it for God as if you don’t have any problems, or you are suppressing some people, let them go, you have to make up your mind on what you are about to do. Then, go for confession, do your penance, cry unto God .. . reconcile with him first. You will feel something….. Love.. happiness..you don’t even remember your problems again, it is as if he is there with you, you can feel his presence around you.

Then talk to him…

2. Almsgiving; a giver will never lack

No matter how small you have, learn to give, it opens our locked doors. Doors of opportunities, and miracles everywhere. You must give with an open heart, our God loves a cheerful giver.

3. Tithes; Malachi 3:10 No matter how small you earn try and pay your tithes, God will bless you and keep your money away from thieves, sickness, and misfortunes
4. Visit the orphanage, sick and the prisoners.
5. Do not forget the congregation of the brethren. Go to church

Fasting is good because it brings us close to our Maker, but not necessarily food. We can also deny ourselves those things that we love doing that keeps us far away from God almighty.

These are my contributions on what to do when it seems that God is silent on you.

 

50. NWOSU NKIRU Imo State Ahiazu Mbaise

 

When God is silent on my prayers I’ll do quite a lot of things first off I’ll try to understand why His silent and what am requesting for if it worth getting then for sure it’s either a yes a no or wait if I feel my request are good with nice intentions I’ll go on the wait option but in all I’ll still surrender it to God and place everything in His care because I understand He knows what is best for me , secondly I will also fast and pray about it because He said some prayers can’t work except through fasting and praying and He asked us not to worry if He provides for the birds what more about us . But in all I won’t lose hope and faith IN Him

Thank you

 

51. Okeyudoye Anasthesia Chidiogo ANAMBRA, Isuofia

 

I’ll go for the sacrament of reconciliation and PENANCE.

After which I’ll start PRAISING God for both what he does and yet to do for me.

 

52. Eke Agnes Nkeiruka Imo State

 

In a situation whereby it looks as if God is not answering my prayers. I will keep calm and focus on praise and worshiping God.

 

53. Rev Sr Maria-Assumpta Chinagorom lmmaculate St Mary’s Parish Amuzi Obowo

 

I wait in prayer.l will also examine myself in case in any way l have erred. I do also inquire in prayer to show or tell me what He wants from me in times like that. He used to respond in a manner He chooses to do so to me.

 

54. Diala Nmesoma Mariagoretti  IMO( Ikeduru)

 

WHAT I DO WHEN IT SEEMS GOD IS KEEPING SILENT ON ME.

Prayer in a layman’s language means communicating with God. It also means a request or a petition to God.

Once God is keeping silent on me,I tend to seek his face through prayer,even the Bible said we should pray until something happens,I pray until he answers me,and also the power of the blessed sacrament is way ten much,I visit the blessed Sacrament to and cry to God, which after he can’t leave me the same way.

Also,why praying and visiting the blessed sacrament I tend to also do a sacrifice that will remove something from my body(through alms giving).

 

55. Esther O. Omalle Logo, Ankpa LGA

 

To us, it may look as if God is keeping silent but He is not. For Isaiah 55:8-9 says that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts neither are His ways our ways. Also psalm 90:4 says a thousand years is like yesterday come and gone or like a watch in the night before God.

 

God is the custodian of time for the bible says that there is time for everything. Let’s trust God’s time and plan for He has the perfect timing. He sees ahead of us, He is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever for He is the beginning and the end. He created us and so knows us better than we know ourselves. All we need to do when it seems as if God is keeping silence on our prayers is to keep faith alive and abide by the word of God. That faith that we profess every day in the creed should be acted out at such times. I was told that silence can mean not now, wait, no, and even yes, whatever it is we have to be sensitive enough to listen to God’s spirit and what He is telling us at a particular point in time.

Therefore, in my opinion, faith is the key.

 

Abiding in the word of God is a prerequisite for scripture that says that faith comes by hearing over and over again the word of God. Matt.24:35 says Heaven and Earth shall pass away but my words shall never pass away

Throughout scripture, we see men and women of faith who held on to God despite their obviously hopeless situations and predicament but in the end, God rewarded their faithfulness and counted it as righteousness. Below are a few examples:

 

1. Abraham our father in faith- Abraham was 100 years and Sarah his wife was 99. She has long passed the menopause circle and is heading to decline but it was at this time that God blessed them with Isaac. Roman4:18 says against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations just as it was said to him.

 

The reading of last Thursday was from Gen. 22:1-19. Here Abraham displayed his faith, trust and obedience to God. He Rose up as God commanded him and did exactly as God asked him to do. Infact, at a point he said to the young men that accompanied him ‘ stay here with the donkey, I and the lad will go yonder and worship God and “come back again” to you so he may have believed that he will return to them with Isaac who the Lord ask him to sacrifice.

 

Also notice that when Isaac asked his father for the lamb to be sacrificed, Abraham answered his son thus ‘ God will provide Himself a lamb for the burnt offering’ and at the end God provided and rewarded that act with great blessings. Now I cannot categorically state the time and distance it took for Abraham to get to that land to sacrifice his son but I see that period as a period of silence and waiting. Wait and be obedient and you will see that truly that is light at the end of the tunnel.

 

2. Job- the Bible described him as a just man, in fact God boasted with him but He still gave permission to the devil to smite job. Job lost all his children in a twinkle of an eye, he lost his possessions, treasures and everything he had within split seconds. His wife who was supposed to encourage him even wanted him dead and asked him to curse God. Worst of all, he lost his health, had sores all over his body and was undergoing pain in his body, those that are sick will understand. But what did Job do, hear his response ‘ I know that my Redeemer lives’, ” naked I came and naked I shall return- meaning that even into death he will serve the lord. ” the Lord gives and takes, blessed be His name” scripture recorded that in all these, Job sinned not, nor charged God FOOLISHLY. Job 1:21-22. The bible recorded that at the end, the later days of job were better than His beginning and God added more years to His existence.

 

3. Zechariah- he waited for many years with his wife before God blessed him, he even went mute for a period because of disbelief but God blessed him. Imagine the period of waiting or silence before John the Baptist came to prepare the way for the Lord: 400 whole years!!!

 

4. Shedrach, Meshach and Abednigo – listen to their statement ‘ even if our God does not save us, we will not worship your God so they are ready to die even if God will be silent.

 

I can go on and on. Habakuk 2:3 says FOR The revelation awaits an appointed time, it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger or delay, or slow, wait for it, it will certainly come, it will not delay.

 

All we need to do therefore is to have faith. We have to believe that He is able to do as He has promised. Then, while waiting we must obey and adhere to instructions He has given us. Worship God in spirit and in truth. Whatever the case, whether God is silent or not he remains God. God cannot change. It is for our own good whether on Earth or in heaven.

 

56. Mary Omale  Kogi

 

God may have answered the prayers. He may have sent His angels to deliver the answers to the prayers. Maybe the demons or spirits like the prince of Persia have stopped the blessings or answers from coming. We therefore have to do what Daniel did before another angel fought and brought back the good news. So we have to continue to pray until something happens.

 

57. Anujue Ifeanyichukwu Godwin, from Irete, Owerri West, Imo, lives in Lagos.

Just like the challenges of life, hopping in God has been an existential dilemma for mankind.It can often be so difficult to trust in the omnipotence and omnipresence of God when confronted with difficult situations.
Have you ever called to God in prayer and it seemed He did not answer? Have you ever gone down your knees, clasped your hands, cried to God and it seemed He did not hear?Is God keeping silent over your request or is He not even attentive to your supplication?
The fact that we didn’t get what we prayed for doesn’t mean God did not answer our prayers neither is He keeping silent on our prayers.Whenever it seems God is silent on our prayers, do the following:

EXAMINE YOURSELF: Isaiah 59 says”Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save us,not His ears too dull to hear.But your sins have separated you from your God, your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear”. Also,Romans 6:2 says”So, shall we then continue to sin that grace may abound?”St.Paul replies with a resounding”God forbid”.

EXAMINE YOUR INTENT:Why do you pray? What is the reason you ask God to grant you the favour you seek?Is it to spite others?Or for vengeance?If your request is granted, what do you plan to do with it?

TRUST IN GOD:We must understand that God knows our needs even before we ask-Matthew 6:8.He truly cares about us, that is why 1Peter 5:7 says,”Cast your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you”.Again, Nahum 1:7 says”The Lord is good,a refuge in times of trouble.He cares for those who trust in Him.Because God cares about our needs,it is important to understand what Martin Luther said “pray and let God worry”. This is synonymous with the Psalmist’s conviction in Psalm 55:22,”Cast your worries on the Lord and He will sustain you;He will never let the righteous fall”.

DEAL WITH FEAR: God is never silent over our prayers.Whenever it seems God is silent when we pray, one of the things we must note is that fear has set in.We must understand that FEAR is False Evidence Against Reality.Instead of fear, let us embrace FAITH, which is Find Answer In Trusting Heaven.That is why Shannon L.Alder states that”Fear is the glue that keeps us stuck.Faith is the solvent that sets you free”. God has assured us in Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for peace and not for disaster, plans to give you hope and a future”.

CONSIDER GOD’S WAYS: Understand that in answering our prayers, God might say,”No”,or “Yes”,or “Wait, it’s not yet time”. And in most cases, it might appear that we are not even paying attention or listening to what He says. Because God knows us, since He formed you.

He constructs a bigger picture of our lives and what our lives should be. So,He knows that what we are seeking may not be the best for us at the moment.

 

There could be danger ahead if we are to get what we seek;or He has better things in mind for us.We must understand that God is never late or early. He is always right on time. Sometimes, whenever He says”no”, it’s because He wants the best for us.

 

At times the things that look greener on the other side may not be so green after all. Sometimes, the grass on the other side may be hiding bad roots or patches or thorns. Ken Sande says,”Trusting God does not mean believing He will do what you want, but rather believing He will do everything He knows is good”.

LISTEN: It is important to listen. It is quite unfortunate that most times we don’t listen to God whenever He speaks to us.

According to Krista Trippett,”Listening is about being present, not just being quiet”. Too often, we make our request in prayers for all our problems to be solved, but we fail or forget to focus on meditation.

We always wish to voice our difficulties to God, always telling Him what our needs are, forgetting that He already knows. When we meditate, we are able to clear out every distraction, unwanted thought we have running around in our heads so we can hear God’s voice.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says,”Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will show you which path to take”.

BE PATIENT: We must learn to be patient.Lamentations 3:25-26 says “The Lord is good to those who hope in Him, to those who search for Him.It is rewarding to wait in silence for the Lord’s saving help”.

St.Paul asks in Romans 8:35,”Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”

Ellen White tells us that”Worry is blind and cannot discern the future, but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty, He has His way prepared to bring relief”.

I end this piece with Dada J.P Vaswani’s view, “If only we learn to believe in God, trust in Him completely-cooperate with His will-we will be supremely happy”