Last week we began looking at Pete Greig’s fine book, God on Mute. The book deals with the reality and struggle of the Christian when dealing with “unanswered” prayer — however you might want to define “unanswered.” I think one of the highlights of the book are the listing of reasons he gives for why our prayers are not answered as we’d like. Last week I gave the first four. Here are some more:
5. Doctrine: Does my prayer reflect God’s character and His promises in the Bible? Might it be out of line with his His will for my life?

6. Second best: Although my desire in prayer is for something good, is it possible that God has something even better in store for me?
7. Motive: Are my prayers essentially just selfish?
8. Relationship: Is there an opportunity here for going deeper in my relationship with God?
9. Free will: Am I expecting God to override someone’s free will?
10. Influence: Am I trying to exercise ungodly power over a person’s life in prayer?