Why does God say no to some prayers?
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Chuck Smith, Effective Prayer Life, chapter 2: Consider the prayer of Jesus that wasn’t answered. Though He prayed three times— “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matthew 26:39)—He drank the cup. Why? Because God wanted to bring salvation to each one of us. It should be noted that Jesus, though offering His prayer to the Father, added what is so important to every prayer: “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). That is the key to obedience and prayer. “Lord, here’s what I want. Here’s my desire. Nevertheless, not my will, but Thy will be done.” You can’t improve on that! For the real purpose of prayer is never to get my will done, but His. Scripture, King James Version: Matthew 26:39, "And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."; Luke 22:42, "Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.". From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.
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