You answer us in righteousness with awe-inspiring works, the God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the distant seas. Psalm 65:5
My words…
A Plea for Answers
When I read King David’s plea for You to pay attention to him and answer him, I shudder. Who does he think he is, demanding anything of You? But really, deep down in my spirit, I want to pray that same prayer, but I’m too fearful. So I came up with a solution. I will add please to my request so I don’t sound as impertinent. Please pay attention to me and answer me. There.
I have never received an audible answer from You. (Thank You for that. I couldn’t bear up under it.) But as soon as I typed my petition, Your words formed in silence in my mind: You have always had my full attention, my child. And I will always answer you. (Cue the tears.)
Forgive me for thinking that my requests are at the end of a long string of more spiritual requests from more spiritual people and that I need to jump up and down and wave my arms over my head to get Your attention. If I have Your full attention all the time, then I should accept with confidence that my words have been heard, and You have formed Your answer. I have heard and read that You answer prayers in three ways: yes, no, wait. I get that. But here’s what I wonder: How many times have I refused to see an answer because it was not the one I wanted? (You know the number.) I just decided to ignore it. It went away. If I wait long enough, perhaps You will answer it the way I want….eventually. I keep praying, and You say, “I already answered that one.” Therein lies my lack of faith. (It always seems to come down to faith, doesn’t it?)
So today I pray that I will recognize Your answer and obey with belief that it is Your will and best for me. No matter what other voice creeps across my mind. Keep me from the temptation to say, “So many prayers. So few answers.” Every prayer is heard. Every prayer is answered. Amen.
