I think we sometimes discourage ourselves by a misconception of the expression “answer,” taking it to mean only “grant.” Now, an answer is not necessarily an acquiescence. It may be a refusal, an explanation, a promise, a conditional grant. It is, in fact, simply attention to our request expressed. In this sense before we call He will answer. The answer is often not what we asked or expected. Still, we never seek in vain. The gift is always better than the one we sought.