by Larry Frazier
We live in an instant world. You can easily have all the components of a meal, or a whole meal, in a packet. Just add water. The advancements in technology have made us impatient about waiting for the things we want. Advertising programs have not helped either. Have it your way; receive it in a short period of time or it’s free. And let’s not forget the ever-present, instant Kool-Aid. God is the giver of all things and even time is a gift from Him. Prayer, however, is not bound by the rules and customs of our instant-minded society. Prayer is a spiritual thing under God’s supervision—and the word “instant” has no place.
Prayer is our side of the conversation with God, and we wait for Him to respond back. God speaks to us through His Word, the Holy Bible. The writer of Psalm 5:3 voices our side of prayer: “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” We see how God answers in Psalm 91:15: “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.”
Praying and receiving answers rests upon FAITH. Faith always has an object. You must have faith in something or someone. Faith doesn’t just hang in the air by itself. Faith looks to something or someone and expects a response. God Almighty is the object of true faith. The writer of Hebrews says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” -Heb. 11:6
Now that we know the process, and to whom we should pray, we must be prepared for the answer. It has been said that God answers prayers in three ways—yes, no, or not yet (i.e., wait). In either case, we must trust God’s love and concern for us. “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” -Rom. 8:32
Don’t hesitate to take your concerns to God in prayer. Pray for others, our nation, and yourself. Then patiently wait for God’s answer as you “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, giving thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. -1Thess. 5:16-18
