This quote implies that prayer is an act of faith, a one-way communication with a higher power, God, or the universe. It is not meant to be a transactional conversation, where one speaks and expects a direct reply or immediate fulfillment of their desires. Instead, prayer is a spiritual practice, a moment of surrender, where one expresses their hopes, fears, and gratitude, trusting that they will be heard and that things will unfold as they are meant to.

When Wilde says, “Prayer must never be answered,” he means that if we receive an immediate, tangible response to our prayers, they would lose their essence. They would become more like a correspondence – a back-and-forth exchange, a negotiation, or a deal. This would undermine the fundamental nature of prayer as an act of faith and surrender.

In today’s world, this idea can be applied in various ways. In the realm of personal development, it emphasizes the importance of patience, faith, and letting go of control. Often, we pray for specific outcomes, but they may not manifest right away or in the way we expect. This quote encourages us to trust the process and believe that our prayers are heard, even when we don’t see immediate results. It reminds us that personal growth often comes from navigating uncertainty and learning to be comfortable with not having all the answers.

Additionally, this quote could also be a commentary on our increasingly transactional relationships and instant gratification culture. We often expect immediate results, and when we don’t get them, we become frustrated. Wilde’s quote invites us to cultivate patience, trust in the timing of life, and appreciate the journey, not just the destination.