I think that generally there are two pre-requsites to answered prayer:
1. You are doing God's will.
2. What you are praying for is God's wil. In other words you are praying in accord to God's will.
That does not mean necessarily that you cannot be blessed with material things, but many pray for material things, and other things that are not in God's will. It's God's will that you be saved, and you do His will. If you don't put His requests first then you should not be surprised if you don't get your requests filled.
I can't speak for God, but this is outlined by Jesus' example of prayer.
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. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
(Matthew 6:9-15 KJV)
I believe that God Answers prayers in His Own Time. He doesn't always gives us what we want, but what we need. Don't feel disappointed, God knows what's best for you.
God does not always answer our prayer our way, He answers it in a way that would bring Him the most glory, and I can tell you for whatever reason He answered the way that He did, He knows best. I am SO glad that you chose to give Him glory throughout this! I have felt disappointed sometimes when God answers in a different way then I asked, however, looking back on those times I can see that His way was best.
Wow! you have a lot of good responses to choose from. I know exactly how you feel and I'm going through the same thing right now. It is such a challege for me. I asked him for something, I needed so much and he let me down,embarassed me and helped almost everyone except for me. However, my relationship with him has strengthened and is getter better by the minute, I think thats why he told me no, for right now.
You did not even say what you prayed for.
It could have been something that was not His will.
I have prayed, have believed and received what I prayed for.
It is true we need to praise Him any way.
But do not say God said No.
Because maybe it was the time for what you asked for.
Many times the Lord brings what we asked for later on.
Words of knowledge can bring relief but they can take many years to manifest, or they can manifest right a way.