Jesus told his disciples . . . that they should always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1).
“To someone who prays in faith, unanswered prayers are simply the evidence that the answer is much closer.”*
*L.B.Cowman, Streams in the Desert, p.39.
Friends gave us a book. Twenty-one years ago. I just started reading it.
Perhaps a gift you’ve given is sitting on a shelf. Perhaps your prayers are yet unanswered.
“And Patience was willing to wait.”*
*L.B. Cowman, Streams in the Desert, p.339.
Sometimes suffering seems endless. Keep praying. Keep waiting. Our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).
Sometimes the Lord’s answers seem slow in coming. Sometimes it seems our heart’s longings will never be realized.
Pray anyway. Pray always. Pray. Pray. Pray.
“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” (Psalm 126:5).
I pray specific Scripture for missionaries we know. Recently one told me “I want to do what I do because of love.”
For five years I have been praying this: “Let their service be motivated by love. Help them to obey your command to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all you mind and love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27).
God answers prayer.
Jesus waited to respond when he heard his friend was sick (read John 11).
Sometimes Jesus waits to respond to our prayers. That’s why we’re told, “Keep on asking” (Matthew 7:7).
In the end, God’s glory will be revealed and people will see that Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
Once again they petitioned the King, this time pleading for mercy. The Prince said, “I have power and commandment to from my Father to forgive you, and do forgive accordingly.”
“He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and the garment of praise, that they may be called oaks of righteousness” (from Isaiah 61:3).
*adapted from John Bunyan, The Holy War, p.173.
Her voice, her face, spoke the sorrow of unanswered prayer.
I have no words but these: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13).
The story is simple. A woman repeatedly requested help. At first the judge refused her. But she continued coming and he granted her request (from Luke 18:1-8).
The message is clear. Don’t give up until your prayer is answered.
Hear my prayer, O Lord;
Listen to my cry for mercy.
In the day of my trouble
I will call to you.
For you will answer me.
Psalm 86:6-7
A Blog on Prayer 