God often does not answer our prayers. He is silent. His silence for many is an indication that ‘there is no God.’ But if we thought about the position we put God in with our passions, we would see that He has no other way than to remain silent. We seek from Him to take our side in our iniquities. He does not explicitly accuse us but leaves us to go on our evil ways and reap the fruits of our own sins. However, if we turn to Him with repentance, then He comes soon, faster than can be expected.

— St. Sophrony of Essex