Does God respond more to some prayers than others?
First Reading: Esther 4:17
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 137(138):1-3,7-8
Gospel: Matthew 7:7-12
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Many have wrestled with the painful reality that while some prayers seem to be answered swiftly, others are met with silence. Is God selective in granting petitions? Why do some people experience miraculous interventions while others endure suffering despite fervent supplication? These concerns strike at the heart of divine justice, human suffering, and the mystery of God’s providence. If God is impartial, all-loving, and merciful, then why does it appear that some voices carry more weight in heaven than others? This question is not just theoretical but deeply personal – many faithful believers struggle when they pray fervently yet see no results, while others seem to receive immediate divine intervention. The tension between divine favouritism and God’s universal love becomes an unsettling reality, especially when suffering lingers despite sincere petitions. This controversy forces us to examine the intersection of faith, divine providence, and human desperation.
At the core of today’s readings is the assurance that God listens, but the challenge lies in how and when He responds. Queen Esther’s plea in the first reading (Esther 4:17) illustrates the urgency of supplication. She does not merely pray; she throws herself entirely before God, acknowledging her helplessness. She appeals not only to God’s covenantal mercy but also to her unique position as an intercessor for her people. This raises a pertinent question: does God respond to prayers differently based on the role, status, or righteousness of the one who prays? The Hebrew concept of ḥēn (חֵן), meaning “favour” or “grace,” suggests that some individuals, such as Esther, find special favour in God’s eyes. The “life setting” of this passage is the existential crisis of the Jewish people in exile, facing imminent destruction. Esther’s prayer emerges not from routine devotion but from desperation, where divine intervention is the only hope. This context suggests that prayers uttered in crisis, particularly by righteous intercessors, may carry a different weight in God’s response.
The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 138) strengthens this theme by proclaiming that God hears the cries of the lowly while the proud stand at a distance. The psalmist declares, “On the day I called, you answered me” – but does this apply universally? If all who call upon God receive an answer, why do some continue to suffer in silence? The psalm hints at a mystery: God’s response is not necessarily immediate or visible, but He strengthens the soul of the petitioner. Classified as a Pslam of thanksgiving, the psalmist recalls a time of crisis when they cried out to God and received an answer. This may refer to a military victory, personal hardship, or a national struggle, similar to the desperation faced by Esther on behalf of her people. Given its connection to David, the Psalm could reflect moments when he faced enemies or persecution and saw God’s hand in his survival. Thus, it suggests a relational aspect to prayer, where those who humble themselves before God experience His closeness more deeply than those who rely on their own strength. in other words, the psalmist acknowledges dependence on God, attributing answered prayers to His faithfulness rather than personal merit. The phrase “you increased the strength of my soul” suggests prior weakness, reinforcing human reliance on divine help. Also, verse 6 (not in the excerpt) explicitly contrasts God’s closeness to the lowly with His distance from the proud, affirming that humility draws God’s favour. The final plea, “discard not the work of your hands,” expresses complete surrender to God’s will, a hallmark of humility.
The Gospel (Matthew 7:7-12) brings this discussion to a climax with Jesus’ teaching on prayer: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” At first glance, this seems to promise a universal response to all prayers. Yet, experience tells us otherwise – many people ask but do not receive, seek but do not find. Understanding the “Sitz im Leben” (life setting) of this passage is crucial: Jesus is speaking in the context of discipleship, addressing those who are actively seeking God’s kingdom. The Greek word “aiteō” (αἰτέω) used here for “ask” implies persistent and continuous asking, not a single request. Jesus’ message is not about immediate gratification but about a relationship of trust, where perseverance in prayer connects the petitioner’s will with God’s. Also, the analogy of a father giving good gifts to his children suggests that God’s response is based on what is ultimately beneficial, not necessarily what is immediately desired.
Dear friends in Christ, from these readings, three key lessons emerge:
First, God’s response to prayer is neither mechanical nor uniform – it is deeply personal and often mysterious. While Esther’s prayer was answered dramatically, many others prayed for deliverance and faced martyrdom instead. This does not indicate divine favouritism in an unfair sense but rather that God’s ways transcend human comprehension. Thus, God’s response to prayer is not determined by mere words but by the disposition of the heart. Esther’s prayer was heard not because of her royal position, but because of her humility and trust. Similarly, the psalmist affirms that God looks upon the lowly, not the proud. Those who approach God with an open heart, willing to trust even in silence, experience His presence in ways beyond human calculation. Little wonder Scripture tells us that the reason we often pray and do not receive what we ask for is that we do not pray well, as we have indulged in our passions. St. James clearly warns us: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions” (James 4:3). Prayer that is rooted in selfish desires rather than humble surrender to God’s will is egoistic and ineffective. True prayer requires detachment from worldly cravings and a heart united with God’s purposes. Humility is key – when we approach God with a contrite and selfless spirit, seeking His will rather than our own gratification, we open ourselves to His grace and His perfect response. This challenges the assumption that prayer is transactional – God is not a divine vending machine, dispensing blessings upon request, but a Father who discerns what is best.
Second, prayer is not about manipulating God into action but about transformation. The act of persistent asking, seeking, and knocking refines the soul. When Jesus teaches about prayer, He is not presenting a formula for guaranteed success but a call to relationship. God’s response is always in the context of His wisdom and love, not human expectations. While it may seem that some prayers receive quicker responses than others, the true purpose of prayer is to unite oneself with God’s will. What appears as divine preference may instead be God’s unique way of drawing each person closer to Himself, through both answered and seemingly unanswered prayers.
Third, persistence and alignment with God’s will play a crucial role in divine response. The Gospel teaches that asking, seeking, and knocking are ongoing actions. Those who remain steadfast, seeking God’s heart rather than just His hand, ultimately receive what they truly need – even if it is not what they initially wanted. The reality remains: some prayers are answered in dramatic ways, while others seem to be met with silence. Yet, the promise of Jesus assures that no prayer is ignored, even if the answer comes in a form we do not expect. The real challenge, then, is not whether God answers some prayers more than others, but whether we trust Him enough to accept His answer when it comes, for our heavenly Father gives good things to those who ask him.
O that today you would listen to his VOICE, harden not your hearts! (Ps. 95:7)
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Shalom!
© Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Seminário Padre Pedro Magnone, São Paulo, Brazil
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com
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Have you prayed your rosary today?
Beautiful reflection with deep understanding. Thanks for sharing Padrè