Why Unanswered Prayers?

 Many people have asked this question again  and again and the question is - "My prayers  are never answered so why  should I pray?".  If this is true then what needs to be  changed? Should we change our Heavenly  Father?  Should we change our LORD and  Savior Jesus  Christ who said 

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. (John 14:13)

or should we change our Holy Spirit who said

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

The answer is "NO" - What we need to change is our attitude. Attitude towards our understanding of God and prayer.

Let us change the following:

1. Desires
   We think God as a fairy-tale genie who is waiting for us to wish and then fulfills our wish to come true. We desire world more than we desire to please Heavenly through our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore our desire is in wrong direction and we should follow what LORD and Savior Jesus Christ directed us to

   But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Mathew 6:33)

   The example from Bible I can quote over here is of King Solomon. He sought God first and God in return gave him everything he could desire.
   
   
2. Doubt
   At some point we cry out loud to God because we believe in our hearts that God is God of impossible. Yet after the prayer we get into doubts whether we will get out storm that is ragging in our lives. This doubt puts a barrier between God and us.
   
   Bible talks of Abraham when he believed in God's promise and God credited his belief as righteousness.
   
   
3. Praying when need arises
   When good times surround us we forget God to thank Him and pray to Him. However, when bad times surround us we reach out to God. The Bible says

   Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

   Therefore we should set aside at least one time per day to pray to God.
4. Negative Thoughts
   While praying we mostly are surrounded with our problems and even during prayers we are constantly think about our problems. Whereas LORD and Savior Jesus Christ said

   Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Mathew 11:29)

Conclusion:
If you want your prayers to be answered, there is only one principle to follow

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8)