Why are the answers to prayers sometimes what people do not expect?

Answer 1

From a Christian point of view, Jesus said (I paraphrase) 'Whatever you ask of the Father in my name will be granted to you.' By this, I believe Jesus was indicating that whatever we pray for which is of benefit to the world and the universe will be granted. For example, if I asked God to let me win one million dollars in the lottery, I believe this is a selfish request and would not be granted. On the other hand, if I asked God to let me win money for the specific purpose of alleviating starvation in a third world country, I may come by that money but not necessarily. A donation may unexpectedly come into the hands of a charitable organization eg. Red Cross or Les medicins sans frontieres. In this instance, the money came into the right hands and would be used for humanitarian causes I prayed for. My prayer has been answered but not in the way I expected. A further example: Suppose one is ill and prays God to take away their suffering. One of two things could happen: 1) God may relieve the suffering or, 2) God may inspire one to be more considerate of the sufferings of others and thereby think less of one's own sufferings. In either instance, the prayer has been heard and answered but not in the way one expected. Prayers are answered for the universal benefit and above all, it is necessary for one to believe in the power of prayer. Saying the words alone, without spirit, is not enough and is not prayer.

In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', one will find a scene where the King, Claudius, is heard praying after which he says in a soliloquy "My words fly up to Heaven but my thoughts remain below. Words without thoughts never to Heaven go."

One could contemplate two rather trite and possibly true expressions. 1) 'The Lord works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform', or 2) An unexpected boon may come your way and be described as 'a blessing in disguise'.