Prayer often comes with many questions: Why didn’t God answer my prayer? Why does God allow suffering and evil in the world? Why does prayer even matter? Theologian Dr. Erwin Lutzer answers each of these concerns with empathy for those who struggle with unanswered prayer as he reminds us of God’s trustworthiness and sovereign plan, firmly based on His promises. He shares that prayer isn’t about changing God’s will but aligning ours with Him, as we grow deeper in our relationship with Him.

 

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Prayer often comes with many questions: Why didn&rsquo;t God answer my prayer? Why does God allow suffering and evil in the world? Why does prayer even matter? Theologian Dr. Erwin Lutzer answers each of these concerns with empathy for those who struggle with unanswered prayer as he reminds us of God&rsquo;s trustworthiness and sovereign plan, firmly based on His promises. He shares that prayer isn&rsquo;t about changing God&rsquo;s will but aligning ours with Him, as we grow deeper in our relationship with Him.
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<a href="https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-daily-broadcast-product-2026-06-25?refcd=2491814">Receive a copy of Why Doesn&rsquo;t God Answer My Prayers? A Biblical Guide to God&rsquo;s Hidden Purposes and an audio download of "Trusting God When He Doesn't Answer Your Prayers" for your donation of any amount!</a>
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Become a champion for your family in the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee! Every episode of the Focus on the Family Christian podcast helps you confidently guide your loved ones through the unique challenges faced by today’s Christian families. With over 40 years of trusted, compassionate stories of redemption, hosts Jim Daly and John Fuller connect you to biblically sound marriage and parenting help that is relatable, practical, and interesting. Listen/Learn/Apply/ThriveInChrist!

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly

Trusting God When He Doesn't Answer Your Prayers (Part 1 of 2)

What’s the secret to a strong family? Author and mom Jessica Smartt says it’s not perfection – it’s connection. Drawing from her book Come On Home, Jessica shares powerful and practical ways to build a lasting family legacy, navigate technology with wisdom, and create meaningful memories as a family. You’ll be encouraged to create a home where your kids feel safe, seen, and deeply loved. Because as Jessica reminds us, “Your family doesn’t have to be perfect to be strong.”
Receive a copy of "Come On Home" and an audio download of "Tiny Habits Can Build a Stronger Family" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.
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Do you have a story or comment on how Focus on the Family impacted you or your family? Leave a message for Jim Daly! 
If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

What&rsquo;s the secret to a strong family? Author and mom Jessica Smartt says it&rsquo;s not perfection &ndash; it&rsquo;s connection. Drawing from her book Come On Home, Jessica shares powerful and practical ways to build a lasting family legacy, navigate technology with wisdom, and create meaningful memories as a family. You&rsquo;ll be encouraged to create a home where your kids feel safe, seen, and deeply loved. Because as Jessica reminds us, &ldquo;Your family doesn&rsquo;t have to be perfect to be strong.&rdquo; <a href="https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-daily-broadcast-product-2026-07-15?refcd=2502907">Receive a copy of "Come On Home" and an audio download of "Tiny Habits Can Build a Stronger Family" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.</a> <a href="https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/tiny-habits-can-build-a-stronger-family">Get more episodes resources</a> <a href="https://podcastfeedback.com/673b60dbde4058b3a1ee6fc0">Do you have a story or comment on how Focus on the Family impacted you or your family? Leave a message for Jim Daly!&nbsp;</a> <a href="https://feedback.focusonthefamily.com/s3/Podcast-Survey?source=FOTFSHOW&amp;utm_source=Focusonthefamilyappandotherpodcastplatforms&amp;utm_medium=shownoteslink%2F%3Frefcd%3D2328201&amp;utm_campaign=podcastsurvey">If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.</a>

How Tiny Changes Can Build a Stronger Family (Part 1 of 2) 

Generally speaking, firstborns are leaders, middle children are peacemakers, and the babies of the family are playful. And while it’s challenging to understand your children’s dynamics when it comes to their birth order, these traits hold true for you and your spouse, as well. Dr. Kevin Leman helps you understand how birth order plays a role in the way you interact as a married couple and shares advice on how to manage challenges in your relationship that often stem from your placement in your family of origin.
Receive a copy of The Birth Order Book: Why You Are the Way You Are and an audio download of "Understanding How Birth Order Impacts Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member- exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.
Get more Episode Resources 
Do you have a story or comment on how Focus on the Family impacted you or your family? Leave a message for Jim Daly!
If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Generally speaking, firstborns are leaders, middle children are peacemakers, and the babies of the family are playful. And while it&rsquo;s challenging to understand your children&rsquo;s dynamics when it comes to their birth order, these traits hold true for you and your spouse, as well. Dr. Kevin Leman helps you understand how birth order plays a role in the way you interact as a married couple and shares advice on how to manage challenges in your relationship that often stem from your placement in your family of origin. <a href="https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-daily-broadcast-product-2026-07-14?refcd=2502604">Receive a copy of The Birth Order Book: Why You Are the Way You Are and an audio download of "Understanding How Birth Order Impacts Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member- exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.</a> <a href="https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/understanding-how-birth-order-impacts-your-marriage">Get more Episode Resources </a> <a href="https://podcastfeedback.com/673b60dbde4058b3a1ee6fc0">Do you have a story or comment on how Focus on the Family impacted you or your family? Leave a message for Jim Daly!</a> <a href="https://feedback.focusonthefamily.com/s3/Podcast-Survey?source=FOTFSHOW&amp;utm_source=Focusonthefamilyappandotherpodcastplatforms&amp;utm_medium=shownoteslink%2F%3Frefcd%3D2328201&amp;utm_campaign=podcastsurvey">If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.</a>

Understanding How Birth Order Impacts Your Marriage

British evangelist J.John brings encouragement for anyone who needs to change their perspective on their circumstances. He suggests that we try to see things from God’s perspective by looking up, looking in, looking back, looking around, and looking ahead.

Receive a copy of Jesus Christ - The Truth and an audio download of "How to Change Your Perspective on Life" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.

Get more Episode Resources 

Do you have a story or comment on how Focus on the Family impacted you or your family? Leave a message for Jim Daly!

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

British evangelist J.John brings encouragement for anyone who needs to change their perspective on their circumstances. He suggests that we try to see things from God&rsquo;s perspective by looking up, looking in, looking back, looking around, and looking ahead. <a href="https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-daily-broadcast-product-2026-07-13?refcd=2502304">Receive a copy of Jesus Christ - The Truth and an audio download of "How to Change Your Perspective on Life" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.</a> <a href="https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/how-to-change-your-perspective-on-life">Get more Episode Resources&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://podcastfeedback.com/673b60dbde4058b3a1ee6fc0">Do you have a story or comment on how Focus on the Family impacted you or your family? Leave a message for Jim Daly!</a>
<a href="https://feedback.focusonthefamily.com/s3/Podcast-Survey?source=FOTFSHOW&amp;utm_source=Focusonthefamilyappandotherpodcastplatforms&amp;utm_medium=shownoteslink%2F%3Frefcd%3D2328201&amp;utm_campaign=podcastsurvey">If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.</a>

Trusting God When He Doesn't Answer Your Prayers (Part 1 of 2)

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