"It is noteworthy that even though God has knowledge and understanding of all, and even sees the very thoughts of the soul, as Moses asserts [Dt 31:21], it is said when he provides a remedy for us in our needs that he sees them, and when he answers our prayers that he hears them. Not all needs and petitions reach the point at which God, in hearing, grants them. They must wait until in his eyes they arrive at the suitable time, season, and number, and then it is said that he sees and hears them." Saint John of the Cross

The O Antiphon for second day of our Christmas novena is: “O Adonai and Ruler the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come, and redeem us with outstretched arms.”  In this prayer we recognize God as our Lord and Savior. As he redeemed us after a long time between the fall of Adam and Eve until the coming of the Savior, he doesn't always answer our prayers quickly. He delayed his redemption to show us how much he loved us in spite of of our sinfulness. So, if he delays in answering our prayers, it may be to show us his love in spite of our not understanding his ways.