Praying is special because it’s a direct way to communicate with God. However, does God hear everyone’s prayers? What are some reasons why it may feel as if God doesn't hear us? Let's delve deeper. 

Praying

There are times when we may think about something a lot because it weighs heavily on our hearts. We hope for something or complain about something but when we really think about it, did we actually pray? Did we actually bring it to God?

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. ~ Romans 12:12

Praying Genuinely

Sometimes we are nervous when we pray, especially if its new to us, because we think it should sound a certain way. We don't want to stutter, lose our thoughts, or feel like others are "judging" our prayer if we're praying in a group. Prayer is simply talking to God. Matthew 6:7 shows that God is not impressed with long eloquent prayers. God is listening for a genuine heart (James 4:3). 

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. ~ Matthew 6:7

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. ~ James 4:3

Praying to God the Father

Sometimes, Christians don't know who to pray to. Do we pray to God the Father, God the Son, or God's Holy Spirit? God’s image is complex to understand (read the study Understanding the Godhead), however, Scripture says to pray to God the Father, in Jesus' name (John 16:23-24). The Father, Son, and Spirit work together in our salvation and sanctification (Matthew 28:19), and although they are One, they accomplish different things in our lives. Jesus’ sacrifice allows us to have God's Holy Spirit which reconnects us to the Father. Once our relationship is restored with God the Father, we should pray to Him in Jesus’ name. 

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. ~ John 16:23-24

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ~ Matthew 28:19

In Agreement with God

Many people don’t realize that if we are not in agreement with God, we are in opposition to God. There is no in between (Revelation 3:15-16). God knows when we desire to do the right thing but in reality our actions may be the opposite (Romans 7:19). God's Word says that He hears the prayers of the righteous (1 Peter 3:12, Proverbs 15:29). God is a God of unity and will manifest prayer requests that agree with His will and word (John 15:14, 2 Chronicles 7:14).

Allowing Others to Pray

Consider this true story. There was a man asking for money outside of a store. He asked someone if they had anything they could spare as they walked to their car. They gave the man everything they had, which wasn't much; one dollar and some change. They also asked if they could pray for him. The man replied "no, I have been praying for three days and God hasn't answered me". He was beginning to give up, he was evidently tired; physically, spiritually, and mentally. They honored his answer but still prayed for the man once they got into their car. It is possible, that God does not listen to people that have not accepted Him (John 9:31). God is God alone, and He can do what He wants when He wants, and He can choose to listen or choose not to listen (1 Peter 3:12, Proverbs 15:29). If we feel like God hasn't heard us, we should ask others to pray for us as well (James 5:16, 1 Timothy 2:1, Psalm 34:17).

Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. ~ John 9:31

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. ~ James 5:16

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. ~ 1 Timothy 2:1

The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. ~ Psalm 34:17

Listening For God

Sometimes we may think that God doesn't hear our prayers but God desires a personal relationship with us. If we come to God with a humble and repentant heart; knowing that we need God and are willing to be corrected and changed; God wants to bless and comfort us. God wants to hear from us (1 John 5:14-15). Sometimes God is responding and answering our prayers, we just have to listen for Him. 

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. ~ 1 John 5:14-15

Praying in Secret

Have you ever thought "as soon as I talk about my prayers or what God is doing, something goes wrong"? Scripture says that only God knows the heart of man (2 Chronicles 6:30). Since God alone knows our heart and thoughts, the enemy has to actually hear us or see them expressed, in order to know our prayers and try to destroy them. God says to go into our closet and pray to our Father which is in secret (Matthew 6:6) and Jesus is a great example. Jesus taught His disciples how to pray (Matthew 6:9-13) but when He prayed He went to a secluded place to be alone (Matthew 26:36). In one instance, He prayed in front of a select few disciples, and that was to record Him asking our Heavenly Father to "let this cup pass" (Matthew 26:39).

This was foreshadowed with several people in the Old Testament such as Jonah (Matthew 12:40) and Joseph. Joseph interpreted a dream for a cupbearer and told the cupbearer that his position would be restored after 3 days and he would deliver the cup into Pharoah's hands again (Genesis 40:13). Likewise, Jesus' position was restored after 3 days (Matthew 16:21, Matthew 17:22-23, Matthew 20:18-19, Luke 22:69, Psalm 110:1). Although we are instructed to pray to God the Father in secret, there are times when we may pray with others out loud. During public prayers, we should focus on praising God and stating God's Word (i.e. Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your goodness and mercy. We thank You for guiding and protecting us. Your Word says that You will instruct us and teach us the way to go (Psalm 32:8) and we know Your Word does not return to You void (Isaiah 55:11). Let Your will be done Father. In Jesus' name. Amen.)

Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:) ~ 2 Chronicles 6:30

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. ~ Matthew 6:6

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ~ Matthew 6:9-13

Conclusion

We all have sinned and disobeyed God. It's by God's grace that we can be holy just as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). When we believe that Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 10:12), Jesus intercedes on our behalf (Romans 8:34). Through Jesus' intercession we are given God's Holy Spirit (John 16:7). Through His Holy Spirit, God’s words and commandments are brought to remembrance (John 14:26). Through this renewed mindset, we are sanctified and through this sanctification we have a closer relationship with God. When we are closer, we hear God clearer, but remember, just because we don't hear God, that doesn't mean that God is not listening. Sometimes, its a matter of us drawing closer (James 4:8). 

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. ~ 1 Peter 1:16

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; ~ Hebrews 10:12

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. ~ Romans 8:34

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. ~ John 16:7

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. ~ John 14:26