Don't Give Up on Prayer

Sometimes when I look at my prayer life all I see is the answer "NO" stamped over it.   I have to laugh at myself because I sound like a kid saying that to a parent.  "You always say 'no' Mom!!"  LOL   And so Sunday morning I said as much to the Lord.  Why do I bother praying if you are only going to say "no" all the time?  That was my question.  And He answered in a big way. 

A couple of Sundays ago one of our church members asked for prayer for a coworker who was looking at a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.  So we prayed.  And God answered.  This sister in the Lord came into church Sunday morning with the awesome news that the tumor her coworker had turned out to be benign.  This was unexpected but very welcome news.  Praise the Lord. 

So I asked, the Lord answered.  He as much as said, "it's not always 'No" so don't give up on prayer."  Keep on praying.  Jesus told us in Luke 11:9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  What we seek is an answer from the Lord, and we will get that.  He always answers.  We may not get the answer we want, but we will always get the answer that is best and exactly what we need.  Sometimes I think what I need most is an adjustment to my thinking and my priorities.  LOL  Psalm 6:9  The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer.  

We can be assured because in His Word we are given the assurance of His answering.  Psalm 17:6  I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.

A lot of times I think my prayers are more like whining and complaint.  And that is not the way to come to the Lord.  It's a bad habit that I need to repent of and change.  I think I'll be praying about this more.  LOL  Hebrews 5:7  While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.  Jesus Himself came to the Father in realness, earnestness, honesty and deep reverence.  Should I not do the same?

We are never to give up praying.  Even if everything we ask for turns out differently.  We know that God knows best, but our feelings and our desires can get in the way of remembering that. 

I was and am so thankful for the miracle in my friend's coworkers life.  How awesome is our God!  And I'm so amazed at His reminder given in such a beautiful and encouraging way.  What a wonderful, amazing God we serve. 

Thank You Lord for answering our prayers and bringing healing into the person's life.  We are so grateful for this.  To You be all the glory.  Lord, strengthen our prayer life and strengthen our faith.  You always do what is right.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen. 

Pray without ceasing.