Does Prayer Change God’s Mind?

Woman with a hat praying in the middle of a forest. The woman is wondering Does prayer Change God's mind

Praying is mysterious yet intimate. When you pray, you’re talking to the One who created you! The Bible tells us to pray for several reasons, so if your recent prayers are still unanswered, you need to consider if they align with God’s will. 

Does Prayer Change God’s Mind?

Prayer does not change God’s mind or will. Instead, it helps us align our will with His. God will not answer prayers when they aren’t advancing His plan for your life. He wants to see you succeed.

Below you’ll read more about prayer and God’s will. I explain the point of prayer and share suggestions for when your prayers feel ignored. 

Will God Answer Prayers That Go Against His Will?

God will not answer prayers that go against His will. However, it isn’t always that straightforward, and it’s important to back this point up with scripture.

God’s will is often mentioned in the Bible. It drives all of His decisions and, ultimately, our lives. He knows precisely what we need and what our future holds.

Prayer is the best way to build a relationship with God. You should always be comfortable talking to God about your desires and asking Him for them. But remember that this doesn’t mean He’ll give you everything you ask for. 

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (1 John 5:14-15).

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us 1 John 5:14 A black women praying near a window

We should be confident to talk to God anytime and ask for anything in harmony with His will. 

“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives” (James 4:3). 

God knows your motives when you ask for something. He won’t answer your prayers if those motives aren’t pure. Whatever you ask for needs to be beneficial or good for you. 

Also, if your desires are going to harm you or someone else, they aren’t in alignment with God’s will, and your prayers will likely go unanswered.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways” (Isaiah 55:9-10). 

Picture of a mountain with a blue and pink sky and written For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways Isaiah 55:9-10 trying to show Does prayer change God's mind

We might not understand why our prayers aren’t being answered, but God typically has bigger plans than are beyond the scope of our understanding.

Related: 7 Reasons Why Prayer Is Important

The Point of Prayer Explained

You might think there’s no point in praying. God only answers your prayers if they align with His will, so why should you pray at all? 

Prayer is crucial for maintaining faith. It isn’t just a way of asking God for things you want, but also the number one thing you can do to build your relationship with Him. 

Talking to your Creator is the best way to strengthen your faith. It can help you find direction and answer your burning questions. It’s easy to stumble onto the wrong path if your faith isn’t strong. Once you’re there, it’ll be even more difficult to seek God’s will and have your prayers answered.

Prayers also keep you in strength, even when some are left unanswered. You’re allowed to talk to God about feeling disappointed when He doesn’t answer prayers. He’ll guide you through these emotions and reveal the reason behind His decisions in time. 

When you pray, you strengthen your bond with God. Soon enough, your thoughts will align with His plan for your life, and your prayers will be answered. 

What To Do if God Doesn’t Answer Your Prayers

God isn’t a genie who’ll grant all your wishes. If your prayers are left unanswered, do this:

  • Review your prayers: There will always be a reason why God isn’t answering your prayers. Review what you’re asking for and ensure it aligns with His will. God wants what’s good for us. He won’t answer prayers that could lead you astray. 
  • Keep your faith: God doesn’t ignore you. He safeguards you when He pushes a prayer aside. Don’t lose faith over a few unanswered prayers. Keep believing your answers will come, and ask God to help you see His purpose. 
  • Keep praying: Keep praying, even if it’s just to ask God for clarity. He will reveal His plan in time, and then you’ll understand why your initial prayer wasn’t answered. The more you pray, the better you’ll understand what to pray for. 
  • Aligning with God’s will: If you align your prayers with the will of God, He will answer them. Ask for clarity and guidance when you pray to ensure you know what His plan is for your life.


Conclusion

God’s will is unchangeable. So, our prayers cannot change His will, regardless of how hard we pray. Rather, it’s important to align our will with His because He always knows best.

If you feel like your prayers aren’t being answered, be patient and keep talking to Him. With time, you’ll learn whether your prayers will be answered in time or if they do not reflect His will for your life.

Sources

Join the Journey of 63 Hours in Hell

An Biblical Fiction about The Three Days Jesus spent in Hell, released by Abundance Books in March 4 2025.