Unanswered prayers

This summer I have seen two people I cared about make some very unwise decisions.
I have cried more tears over this than I had ever cried before. It was as if this person, as I knew them died.

I prayed, of course I prayed. I prayed for miracles, for God to prevent this person from sinning further. But God didn't answer. I know that He answered in His way, but He didn't stop this person from sinning as I wanted Him too. He didn't work the miracles I had hoped He would. Why? Was it because of the free choice He has given? Was it because this person didn't seek to do otherwise?

Another person- another story- more tears shed and I tried to warn them of the downfall of the first. They thanked me for caring, and that was that. As far as I know they too have chosen to walk the path they had chosen. More unanswered prayers.

I find myself wondering if is really mattered that I prayed? Will it matter in the future? I KNOW that God answers prayers. I see Him answering my prayers daily. He works in all kinds of little ways in my life. But what about these big things? Why didn't He answer? Why didn't He keep these two children of His from sinning further? Was it because they didn't choose to please Him? I feel as if it is of no use to pray for a person who has decided to stubbornly follow their own desires over the best plan God has for them. It seems so useless. . . if a person so dear could so completely forsake all they knew as right.

James 5: 16b says, ". . . The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

Perhaps I am not righteous enough? Perhaps I don't know how to pray well enough? I don't know. I am mourning over the people mentioned. I grieve over their choices. I wonder about the future and how to pray more effectively.

I don't doubt God's ability to answer, I just feel so disappointed.