This is a question many people face, both Christians and non-Christians alike.
Does God really care about us?
Does God really listen to us?
Does God really answer our prayers?
Facts:
-Abraham was told by God that he would be the father of many, many children (a nation in fact).
The way God went about fulfilling this promise wasn’t exactly what Abraham expected.
-David was anointed as King of Israel well before he actually was crowned and while there was a living king in the kingdom…not exactly the way David or anyone expected.
– Jesus taught His disciples in a manner that was unique from other Rabbis. He preached a message of peace in the midst of Roman oppression. Many “Messiah’s” came before Him, but they preached hatred, war and revolution. Jesus told the disciples and others, “If your enemy forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles…Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:41,44b)
The way Jesus went about fulfilling prophecy and His message of Messiah was not what anyone expected.
Back to Prayer…
So does God really answer our prayers?
The answer is “Yes”…but many times He doesn’t always answer in the ways that we expect or in the timing that we sometimes demand of Him.
We sometimes blame God when things do not go according to plan.
We sometimes get angry at God when sorrow and death visits our families.
We sometimes fear He isn’t even there listening to us…but He is!
He may not always answer our prayers in the way that we expect Him to, but He isn’t far from us and He isn’t ignoring us…He hears and He answers!
Something more for us to ponder today!
HE ANSWERS US, JUST NOT ALWAYS IN THE WAYS THAT WE EXPECT HIM TO.
Pastor's Ponderings 
I am again astounded by God’s timing. This is such a timely post. I have an issue with some renovations going on in our house. If I listen to those preaching the prosperity gospel I should be able to give God a list of my dreams (which by the way I believe He is directing me with) and He will provide the necessary goods and services.
However, I have also been taught that a house is just a material possession and therefore of little importance. Somewhere in the middle of these two belief systems there has to be a line that can be walked.
Yes, God hears me, this I know. Yes, God will answer my prayer, not necessarily the way I want, this I also know. But what I don’t know is what to pray for. Praying that I forget about the deadline that was set down to have these renovations finished doesn’t seem to be working. In fact I just seemed to be inspired to finalise the designs that I haven’t really been sure of until now.
Again thank you for your post. It hasn’t answered by questions but at least I have been able to share the problem to some extent.