40 Quotes to Encourage You While Awaiting Answers to Your Prayers

For the past decade, MsDora has been sharing poetry, creative writing, positive quotes, and reflections online. Her aim is life enrichment.

Discouragement, depression, and even despair may overwhelm you when the answers to your prayers take longer than you expect. But purposeful prayers grow some enriching virtues while they wait. Four of these virtues—patience, faith, persistence, and hope—provide subtopics for these quotes, which aim to keep you encouraged while you await the answers to your prayers.

Quotes About Patience

1. "There is no such thing as prayer unanswered or unnoticed by God, and some things that we count refusals or denials are simply delays." –H. Bonar

2. "Sometimes we have to wait for God to answer our prayers because our situation is only a small part of the larger work that God is doing." –Lisa Appelo

3. "If we don’t wait for the Lord to provide in His way and time, we may make unwise decisions we can’t afford." –Charles F.Stanley

4. "If we prevail in prayer, God will do what only He can do." –Jim Cymbala

5. "Delays are not refusals. Many a prayer is registered, and underneath it the words: ‘My time is not yet come.’” –Streams in the Desert

6. "[Jesus] teaches that an answer to prayer is conditional upon the amount of faith that goes to the petition... He delays the answer...But the man of prayer hangs on, and on." –E. M. Bounds

7. "It takes time for God to paint a rose … to grow an oak … to make bread from wheat … We need to learn this same lesson in our prayer life. It takes time for God to answer prayer." –J. H. M.

8. "A petition presented before God is like a seed dropped in the ground. Forces above and beyond our control must work upon it, till the true fruition of the answer is given." –The Still Small Voice

9. "In times of trouble, be strong. And wait patiently for God to rescue you." –Lailah Gifty Akita

10. "Never forget that God isn’t bound by time the way we are. We see only the present moment; God sees everything." –Billy Graham

Quotes About Faith

11. "Christ sometimes delays His help that He may try our faith and quicken our prayers…and there are no 'too lates' with Him." –Alexander Maclaren

12. "Just because He may not answer doesn't mean He don't care ‘cause some of God's greatest gifts are … unanswered prayers." –Garth Brooks

13. "Faith isn’t necessarily sitting and waiting for God to do everything on His own for us. God fights while we move." –Steven Furtick

14. "Do not get discouraged. It may be the last key in the bunch that opens the door." –Stansifer

15. "Delayed answers to prayer are not only trials of faith, but they give us opportunities of honoring God by our steadfast confidence in Him." –C. H. Spurgeon

16. "During the time of waiting he gives us Himself, His peace, His strength, and we grow in patience, in perseverance. The time of waiting is not wasted." –Phil Thengvall

17. "God Sees the bigger picture of our lives. He might know that what you are asking is not the best thing for you ... or He sees the negative things that could occur if He were to give you what you are asking... or perhaps He has something better in mind." –Hope for the Brokenhearted

18. "When faith ceases to pray, it ceases to live." –E.M. Bounds

19. "Oh, for a faith that can act by faith and not by sight, and can expect God to work although we see no wind or rain." –A. B. Simpson

20. "When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are to cling to the promise; for the time of an­swering will surely come." –Ellen White

Quotes About Persistence

21. “Our praying needs to be ... pursued with an energy that never tires, a persistence which will not be denied, and a courage that never fails.” –E. M. Bounds

22. "Perseverance shows God that we are serious in our prayer." –Weirton Daily Times

23. “Our devotions are not measured by the clock, but time is of the essence. The ability to wait, and stay, and press belongs essentially to our intercourse with God.” –E. M. Bounds

24. "Persistent calling upon the name of the Lord breaks through every stronghold of the devil, for nothing is impossible with God." –Jim Cymbala

25. "Do you know how to pray … prevailingly? Let sight give as discouraging reports as it may... The living God is still in the heavens and even to delay is part of His goodness." –Arthur T. Pierson

26. "God does not say, 'Ask once, and you shall receive.' He bids us ask...Persist in prayer. The persistent asking brings the petitioner into a more earnest attitude, and gives him an increased desire to receive the things for which he asks." –Ellen White

27. "We dare not stay our prayer until the answer itself has come, or until we receive the assurance that it will come." –Practice of Prayer

28. "A watchman must be devoted to his task, being alert, staying awake … Just so, we must persevere in prayer." –Coty Pinckney

29. “‘Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.’ (Genesis 32: 24) Now there’s prayer for you: engaging with God, wrestling with His angel and refusing to let Him go until He grants the blessing.” –Christopher Holdsworth

30. "Continue in prayer, and though the blessing tarry, it must come; in God’s own time it must appear to you." –C. H. Spurgeon

Quotes About Hope

31. "The answer to our prayers may not come as quickly as we desire, and it may not be just what we have asked; but He … will bestow a much greater good than we have asked, if we do not become faithless and discouraged." –Ellen White

32. "Waiting on God requires a heightened attentiveness and watchfulness in which you scan your surroundings, circumstances, conversations and “coincidences” for clues and indications of God’s answer on the horizon." –Bob Hostetler

33. "Have you been waiting upon God … and have feared that you were forgotten? Lift up your head, and begin to praise Him even now for the deliverance which is on its way to you." –Life of Praise

34. “‘It’s a gray day.’ ‘Yes, but dinna ye see the patch of blue?’” –Scotch Shoemaker

35. "Waiting exercises our grace. Waiting tries our faith. Therefore, wait on in hope, for though the promise tarries, it can never come too late." –C. H. Spurgeon

36. "It does not matter how long it takes. God will fulfill the promises." –Lailah Gifty Akita

37. "If it appears God has turned a deaf ear to you, it’s not that he cannot act on your behalf. It may be that you have … an uncooperative attitude in regard to something the Holy Spirit has put his finger on … Seek forgiveness … draw near to God and he will draw near to you." –Phil Thengvall

38. "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint." –Isaiah 40:31 NKJV

39. "God gives promises so that we will pray the promise back to Him and wait and worship until He fulfills that which He has said." –Jim Cymbala

40. "I believe God has heard my prayers... I have recorded my petitions that when God has answered them, His name will be glorified." –George Müller

© 2021 Dora Weithers

Comments

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on July 19, 2021:

Thanks, Denise. Experiences may differ, but we will all agree that waiting is difficult.

Denise McGill from Fresno CA on July 19, 2021:

George Muller was a remarkable man. His quote says it all. I think waiting is the hardest part of praying but you are right, persistence is the key. Thanks for these lovely reminders.

Blessings,

Denise

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on July 19, 2021:

Thanks, Linda. I'm familiar with that saying. It certainly matches the quote.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on July 18, 2021:

All of the quotations that you've shared are interesting. My favourite was number 13 because it matches the thoughts of my mother and her family. They were Christians, but some people today would probably classify them as non-traditional ones. One of the sayings that I grew up with was "God helps those who help themselves." I've never forgotten it.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on July 12, 2021:

Thanks Chrish, especially for the love and the hugs. I appreciate the comment. A great day and week to you too.

Chrish Canosa from Manila Philippines on July 12, 2021:

Thanks Ms Dora for delivering us Hope. You help us put the eyes of our heart on Him.

Have a wonderful day! Sending power hugs and a bunch of love.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on July 12, 2021:

Flourish, you are so sweet to put up with me, even when my topics are not your particular interest. That makes me think very highly of you, and I'd say that your kindness paid off that day. Sorry for your loss. Happy that your uncle had a compassionate soul like you to cheer him on at the end. Blessings!

FlourishAnyway from USA on July 12, 2021:

I thought of you recently. I was alone with my dying great uncle, the only visitor he had that day. He had dementia and was in a facility on hospice care. I went to be with him and could barely understand him. He was not a very religious fellow and I am not either, but as I was talking softly to him and rubbing his face he suddenly said that he wanted to go home. He raised his arms and asked where Jesus was. I thought about what kindly Dora might tell someone in this situation and let that be my guide. He died about 18 hours later. Even for people who are not religious, reading your articles provides education and usefulness.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on July 12, 2021:

Devika, thanks for your continual encouragement. Have a safe trip and trust God with everything--everything!

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on July 12, 2021:

MsDora You have a great selection of quotes here. I so much need this right now! Everything I am tackling needs this encouragement. I am planning my trip back to South Africa and this helps me a lot.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on July 12, 2021:

Good Morning, John, Your comment also gave me a good start to my day. Thank you.

John Hansen from Gondwana Land on July 11, 2021:

A wonderful collection of quotes that provide all the answers. I needed this today. Thank you MsDora.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on July 11, 2021:

Thank you, Pam. I agree that the Billy Graham quote is really comforting for someone who is waiting and counting the days. "God sees everything."

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on July 11, 2021:

I love these quotes, Ms Dora. I think patience is the hardest thing.

I really like ""Never forget that God isn’t bound by time the way we are. We see only the present moment; God sees everything." –Billy Graham" All of those quotes were wonderful.

This is an excellent article. Thank you for sharing these quotes.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on July 11, 2021:

Mary, I like your attitude.Thanksgiving must be a welcome prayer, because God gives what we need even when we do not get what we ask for. Thank Him, anyway.

Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on July 11, 2021:

We do need these quotes as it is often hard to wait for answers to our prayers. Sometimes, I think that God is tired of asking that I change my prayer to thanksgiving because there is so much to thank God for in our lives and our world.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on July 11, 2021:

Thanks, Denise. I used to think that waiting was difficult for children. If that's true, we still have some childish traits. We're normal. Hope these quotes help to ease the pressure.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on July 11, 2021:

Thank you, Misbah. Encouragement is my primary intention for my articles. Happy when readers like you find them uplifting.

Denise McGill from Fresno CA on July 11, 2021:

These are good reminders to wait and be patient in prayer. It has to be one of my hardest disciplines.

Blessings,

Denise

Misbah Sheikh from The World of Rebels. on July 11, 2021:

Very motivational quotes, MsDora. I loved them all. I always love and appreciate your articles. They are always uplifting, motivational and encouraging

Blessings and Love

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on July 11, 2021:

thanks, Rosina. You are always so positive. I pray that for you, He has better things in mind. Have a great week!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on July 11, 2021:

Chitrangada , thanks for your affirmations. It makes me happy when readers receive personal upliftment.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on July 11, 2021:

Thank you, Peggy. Prayer is such a beautiful, meaningful subject.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on July 11, 2021:

Manatita, being a Lantern Carrier, you walk in the Light yourself. Thanks for sharing your response to His guidance.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on July 11, 2021:

Thanks, Liz. I appreciate the emphasis on all the points you made. I hope readers will find also find these messages within the quotes.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on July 11, 2021:

Thanks, Bill. Happy New Week to you!

Rosina S Khan on July 11, 2021:

These are beautiful quotes to encourage us while we wait for answers to our prayers. This just may be the right dose for me today. I have picked up a favorite that resonates with me. It is No.17 as shown below:

"God Sees the bigger picture of our lives. He might know that what you are asking is not the best thing for you ... or He sees the negative things that could occur if He were to give you what you are asking... or perhaps He has something better in mind." –Hope for the Brokenhearted

Thank you, Dora, for this splendid contribution, which is bound to awaken our spirits with hope and light.

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on July 11, 2021:

Great uplifting article, with motivational quotes.

We all need to hear such words, almost everyday. I think, it came at the right time for me, at least.

Yes, patience, persistence, Hope and faith—We must hold on to these. I loved reading all the quotes.

Thank you for sharing.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on July 11, 2021:

These are all beautiful quotes, Dora. Thanks!

manatita44 from london on July 11, 2021:

Peggy said my poem read like a Sunday sermon. True in the sense of offering Love and Light.

Your quotes and the whole presentation of Prayers today are just beyond beautiful and should help many. They feel pure, sublime and holy and would most certainly appeal to the receptive soul. What better day to do this than a Sunday.

I wanted to write on Prayer for the past two days. The words kept coming to me. Today I read Misbah's 'Regret' poem, but it was only when I saw a lonely figure on the way to Mecca, that one-pointedness (Steadfastness), flashed through my mind and I composed a spontaneous piece for Misbah.

This led me to also do my own Hub on 'regret'. Life goes like that, if you wait and listen to His plans. Thank you so much!!

Liz Westwood from UK on July 11, 2021:

You have tackled a complex subject and one which has perplexed many Christians over the years. Sometimes I wonder if we try to direct God and impose our agendas on him. We forget that he sees the bigger picture, our ways are not necessarily his ways, nor is our timing in line with his. Prayer is about communicating with God and allowing him to work in us.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on July 11, 2021:

Always an inspirational read which leaves me feeling hopeful. Thank you for that, my friend, and Happy Sunday to you.