LibraryScenariosWhen persistent prayer seems ineffective against ongoing crisis
Scenario

When persistent prayer seems ineffective against ongoing crisis

I've been praying for my son's drug addiction for three years and he's getting worse and I don't know if I should keep asking God for help or accept that prayer isn't working.

Rumi
Online
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More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Long-term suffering tests the relationship between faithful petition and divine responsiveness, forcing questions about prayer's purpose and limits.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Prayer across traditions?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.