What can I do when He doesn’t respond or even seem to hear my prayers?

on Jul 1, 2026

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: In my sincere pleas to God in prayer, what can I do when He doesn’t respond or even seem to hear me? The silence doesn’t bring comfort, it brings despair. – S.G.

A: When we wrestle with the silence of God, be reminded first of all that God has spoken in days gone by, and has continued to speak. He has always given a clear message in the created world around us: “Since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power” (Romans 1:20, NKJV).

The living God has also spoken through the Bible. In its pages He has revealed Himself, including His character, His attributes, and His glory. He’s also spoken through Jesus. No one has seen God at any time. God has spoken so perfectly through His Son that Jesus could say, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9, NKJV).

There was a silence of God between the Old and the New Testaments – 400 years. So strange was this silence that the Jewish people attempted to substitute something that would fill the gap. But man cannot hasten God to act. When this time ended, God spoke again in a wonderfully awesome way, in a place called Bethlehem. An angel of the Lord announced the birth of Jesus, the Savior. The silence was shattered when a multitude of the heavenly host praised God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14, NKJV). No wonder we sing at Christmas the lyrics of “Silent Night.”

When God seems silent, turn to the pages of Scripture and read His words. When God seems silent, open your heart and pour forth your petitions, asking Him to strengthen your faith, for He knows what is best for His own.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)