Unprayed Answers

I read a Letter to the Editor in Interpreter Magazine from Rev. Wayne F Albertson, a retired pastor from the West Ohio Conference.  He was responding to an article entitled "When Prayers Seem Unanswered."  He said:

I am far more concerned in our culture, and even in our churches, about "unprayed answers" than I am about "unanswered prayers."  The persistent question concerning unanswered prayer strikes me as concern with our self-interest given St. Paul's understanding that prayer begins with God's initiation in our lives.  If we are concerned with unanswered prayer, perhaps it is because "we do not know how to pray as we ought" (Romans 8:26).

What do you think?

Are you concerned that we have unprayed answers in our churches?  Do we go about our church business without pausing to consult with or listen to God?

Is the concern about unanswered prayers a reflection of our self-interest?  (and is this even what he means - I was unsure about that sentence).

Does the idea that prayer begins with God's initiation in our lives expand your understanding of prayer?  Do we see prayer that way?

Do we know how to pray as we should?