God’s answers to prayer
Mark 11:24, especially in the KJV, states that whatever you ask for in prayer will be answered. How can you put this passage in perspective of when you pray for a specific thing that is not happening or will not happen, such as healing of a serious or terminal illness?
What we need to do is take that promise of answered prayer in Mark 11 and keep it in the context of what God says elsewhere in Scripture about prayer.
When it comes to praying about our physical health and other bodily needs, we pray with the attitude of “your will be done” (Matthew 6:10; James 4:13-15). We can boldly and confidently pray for good health and recovery from sickness, but we offer those prayers with the trust that God knows what is best for us and will do what is best for us.
Sometimes God’s answer to prayer—and repeated prayer (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)—is “no.” In that case, he has something even better in store for us. Such an answer from God is reason to praise him. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20)
So, keep bringing your “petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving” (1 Timothy 2:1) to God. You have his word that he will hear your prayers and answer them in the best way and at the best time.