Luke 18: 1”……men always ought to pray and not lose heart.”
Dear God,
When You invite us to always pray about all things, it is surprising that I do not pray more often. It is under the influence of Your love, that I pray more often than I used to do, and I am truly grateful for the many times my prayers have been answered; the small things as well as deeply felt needs. I have many times been led to scriptures that meet my heart’s need and questioning. Or I have been given an answer in my mind or impression that either answers directly, or alternatively that no is the best way, or to wait in patience. Over the years I have been learning to accept that I do not really know what is best for me, and the One who knows my every thought and way, really does know what is best for me, and can also tell me how it would be best for me to act or proceed. I have never been sorry in the end (which has sometimes been after years of waiting) with how things have eventually turned out. All through sickness or unhappy times, I have felt Your love and support to such a degree, that over the years I have grown to love and trust You more and more, even though I know I have much growth still to achieve in this area. I know You will continue to love me and grow my experience each day. I am so glad, that through Your teaching and enabling, I have become a little faithful in prayer; instead of a few short almost half-hearted prayers, now and again.
Dear God,
Today, and every other day, I know Your Spirit will remind me to be more persevering in prayer when there seems to be no answer from You God. I welcome these lessons in faith that I am being taught and given the ability to make them my own. Luke 18:7 “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them.” Having invited us to be persevering in prayer, we are not left without Your back- up, for scripture says You will ‘avenge’ Your own elect, of which I count myself, as Your precious child – thank You.
As I reflect upon these matters, I realize that You alone know the lessons in faith I need to learn, and the lessons are always for my good, answers do not have to be immediate just because this finite person is impatient. After all it behooves me to remember, that You the Infinite God knows all the facts and the big picture, so can never ere with timing or type of prayer answer. I can rest in Your love and care, with the knowledge, that when in heaven, all will be answered and made plain, V 8 “I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
Jesus You delight to answer prayers, but how often do we Your people pray as we should? The answer for me is that I do not pray as Jesus prayed to His Father when on earth, and He is my example. His physical and spiritual strength came from doing so and I am sure, that is the case for me as well.
In Your strength, I resolve to keep my mind prayerfully focused upon You today and throughout each day..
Amen