I Prayed and Nothing Changed: What God Is Up To in the Silence

Ask the Christian Counselor

by Ste Casey

Ste Casey addresses the disappointment that comes when life seems to go from bad to worse despite our fervent prayers for change. When pain and disappointment shrink our world to the size of what’s troubling us, we can easily miss what’s right in front of us—our God and his daily grace. Pastor and counselor Ste Casey reminds readers that although our worries, fears, and suffering can fill our mind’s eye, the truth is that God is still watching, keeping, caring, hearing, and speaking to us. I Prayed and Nothing Changed will challenge you to be honest as you talk to God about your struggles in our messed-up world. Casey points readers to see all that God is doing, even when he seems distant, and encourages readers with specific ways we can see God at work in the silence.

Genres: Counselling

144 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2024

Reviews

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot praise this book highly enough. Short but powerful, it has officially been added to my every-Christian-should-read list, since the very first chapter.

A slow walk through Paul's "thorn in the flesh" experience in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, this book will challenge and encourage believers in all sorts of suffering that seems to remain unchanged by our desperate pleas for its removal.

Cried my way through it (in the best way possible.)
Highly, highly recommend.

[Dena McGoldrick Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource. Short and easy to read, this book is full of biblical truth and hope.

[Caroline McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Beautiful biblical counseling application of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” passage.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 - a worthwhile read. A succinct consideration of a hard topic with some helpful imagery and scriptural meditation.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever prayed and felt like God wasn’t listening because nothing seemed to be happening? I know I have. Ste Casey has written a book to help me, and you if you’ve ever felt like that.
Casey looks at what just might be going on behind the scenes when it appears that nothing is happening. He reminds readers that God does work everything out for our good.
Each chapter includes practical advice for the reader as well as a prayer for applying the chapter.
This is a book I’d rather have a physical copy of so that I can underline and easily refer back to helpful passages.
If you struggle with your prayer life or challenging life circumstances, I recommend I Prayed and Nothing Changed.
I received a complimentary copy of I Prayed and Nothing Changed. This is my honest review.

[Katelyn Friesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent, encouraging book for the person who feels like God is silent. For the person whose strength feels lacking and doesn’t know where to turn. For those who is struggling to accept their fate of this earthly life. For anyone crying out to God to change their situation. Through both personal stories and those of his counselees and church members, Ste Casey explains how it is in our very weakness, Christ is made strong through us. That in those moments when we pray and nothing seems to change, God is behind the scenes, in control and changing EVERYTHING. No matter your prayer request, this book is for you!

[Lone · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book. It is biblical and so to the point. Casey has firsthand knowledge of suffering and asking the tuff questions. I really liked his storytelling from clients and how he counsel them to draw nearer to Christ and not deeper into circumstances.
This is a book you do not want to read when suffering. But it is a book you need to read - this will help anyone with any kind of suffering.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took my time listening thoroughly and taking notes all throughout. There isn’t anything incredibly revolutionary here but the presentation and relatability Ste brings to the conversation was really rewarding. Definitely digest this one. Properly allow it to shift your perspective during a thorny season.

[Kaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caleb: A book that puts in perspective what God is doing in the midst of “answered” prayers. Beautiful examples of real stories that Ste experienced with the hope through the suffering explained.

Kaylee: We may want to work on the area that feels the most exciting while ignoring God’s work in another.

[Alastair Gooderham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful short book that looks at what God is doing when God is silent and doesn’t answer our prayers as we want. Weaves pastoral case studied and scripture together in a way that is accessible and readable. It doesn’t promise easy answers but does remind us that Jesus and his grace is enough.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging walkthrough of 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 with many practical application points. I loved the prayers that ended each chapter.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!! Great recommendation for those going through a hard trial...but really great for any believer in Christ.

[Lynne Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This seems to be an exhaustive topic, but the author provided fresh thoughts and perspectives. A judicious use of scripture allowed for helpful and honest thoughts.

[Karen Wooldridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thought provoking

[Amiel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The chapters on “He Keeps” and “He Supplies” were my favorite, but everything else was pretty mid. Still, it’s a relevant topic among followers of Christ!

[Heike Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

At times very hard and challenging (in a good way) to read, but very good and changes your perspective.