Apples of Gold

Several days ago, I found myself facing one of those recurring situations that despite consistent, heartfelt prayer, and sometimes outright pleading with God, it seemed he had not chosen to step in. I began my usual prayer for Divine Intervention, preferably sooner rather than later. This time something felt different. Uttering these requests once again felt unnecessary. God knew what I needed. We have had multiple conversations about this. I felt myself struggling with how to pray about this, again. 

We can have a mystical approach to prayer. If I say just the right words, if I use the right scripture, maybe I can convince God to answer my plea. 

God is not waiting for you to get the words just right. You do not need to wear him down like the toddler pleading for a treat, “Can I can I can I?”, until you finally give in, just to stop the whining.

Jesus teaches us that he is more concerned with our hearts than our words.

When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! Matthew 6:7-8 

When I face difficult times I can find myself wordless. Sometimes putting my finger on what is actually troubling me is difficult. Knowing what to ask God to do is even more out of my reach. I am so thankful that at these times God is looking straight into my heart and there is no need for me to prepare a treatise outlining my current dilemma. 

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groaning that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:26-28

We tend to chop verse 28 from the preceding verses, but actually the placement should bring us encouragement and hope. 

In those deep times of struggle, the God who wordlessly understands our weaknesses, puts the Holy Spirit on the case! He is pleading for us, according to God’s will. It doesn’t end there! God reminds us that even in these tough times he is causing everything to work together for our good. 

Fretting is not required when we are tongue-tied before the Lord. He gets us! I mean he really gets us. He looks deep into our hearts and makes sense of the emotions and desires that have us in a state of confusion. Not only does he see our needs, but he responds to them swiftly.

I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24

Many of us could share testimonies of God doing exactly this! The prayer is still crossing our lips when the answer is dropped on our doorstep. 

Most of us would opt for this outcome to our cries for help. Most of us would also immediately recognize prayers that did not result in immediate resolution. We need to remember that this doesn’t mean that God didn’t immediately step in to action:

Daniel had been praying for 3 whole weeks before an angel showed up to deliver this message:

Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for 21 days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Daniel 10:12-13

God certainly hears our cries as soon as we utter them. Daniel spent those weeks of silence in mourning and fasting. Although God’s response was immediate, the reason for the delay was not visible to Daniel. The answer was on the way but there were unseen elements at play. 

During our delayed answers it can appear that God is not paying attention, or maybe he doesn’t realize how tenuous our grip is. 

The path to peace during these times can be found by clinging for dear life to the truth of the Word of God. Scripture clearly and repeatedly reminds us that we can trust the One we cannot see. We can also trust that he is at work, even when we see no direct evidence of his hand. Giving up when the answer is delayed might be tempting but it is treacherous. 

I often don’t understand what God is up to. I recognize that his wisdom is so vastly superior to my finite mind, and my comprehension of his plan is not a requirement. 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart: do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

If you find your prayers stuck on repeat in the thick of the battle, the remedy is unwavering trust. God hasn’t forgotten. He wasn’t taking a nap when you brought your need to him. Your answer is on the way. Don’t lose heart. Keep praying with or without words!

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:14