As I sat down to write this article, I want to thank thechurch for your many prayers through Amanda’ssurgery. It is a humbling experience to see over 100 persons responding to that request. She is getting along just fine and the surgery was far shorter than we had anticipated. So, again we all thank you.
As we think about prayer, it is important to know that all prayer is answered. Just not always the way you and I want. Garth Brooks once wrote a song about unanswered prayer. While, I understand what Garth was trying to convey, all prayer is answered and thank God, not always the way you or I ask. Thelyrics of that song go on to say, “Remember when you’re talkin’ to the man upstairs that just because hedoesn’t answer doesn’t mean he don’t care.” We are God’s children and God loves all his kids, even thoselike me who are often stubborn and even angry. God also knows what we need, not just what we want. Prayer is as much about us as it is the persons or things we are praying for. Prayer is really an honest and open conversation with the giver of all life, both in the physical realm and the spiritual. Scripture tells us in Matthew 6, “ But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done insecret, will reward you.” That being said, in Matthew18:20 we hear about the power of praying with others,“For where two or three are gathered in my name,there am I among them.” So pray in private but also know that others will pray with and for you. Prayeris powerful. It’s a conversation with God and Godhears and responds. There is no such thing as unanswered prayer.
