Why is it that sometimes our prayers seem to not be answered?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, March 21, 2013:

 

Why is it that sometimes our prayers seem to not be answered? This is a manifestation of the Buddha's wisdom—so that we can deepen our prayers, become stronger people, live more profound lives and secure deeper, more lasting good fortune. If our slightest prayer were answered immediately, we'd become lazy and degenerate. And we couldn't hope to build a life of great dignity and substance.