I WONDER IF GOD ever tires of hearing my prayers.
He doesn’t. Not even when I repeat myself.
A billboard along U.S. Highway 14 between Janesville and Waseca, MN.
Scripture advises continuous and constant prayer. Pray without ceasing.
I didn’t always pray the way I should, praying in a more me-centered manner than asking for God’s will to be done. But I figured out awhile ago that this is not about me getting what I want, but about God figuring out what is best for me. He is in control, not me.
This doesn’t mean I can’t pray for specifics. I can. I do. Often. But in the end, I realize that whatever the answer, it is as God intends.
Do I always like the answer? No. At least not until I determine why God responded as He did. And sometimes I never can quite decipher what He’s thinking. I’m pretty certain, though, that God is way smarter than me. Way smarter.
Patience and trust, I’ve learned, are keys to a healthy prayer life. I’m still learning. God is patient and a good listener. For that I am grateful.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
What a beautiful writing about prayer. I became a Christian at 17 old and have only recently learned within the past two years to wholeheartedly trust God’s will in my life.
Thank you. I have been a Christian my entire life, but, yet, it took me awhile to understand how I should pray. For me, age has certainly brought wisdom. Trust is not always easy and I still sometimes falter in that area of my faith.
I hope that my message didn’t end up sounding like I never struggle with trust. I wanted to write so much more within my comment, but I got interrupted and had to cut it down. It seems, for me, that each new situation eventually teaches me a new level of trust. However, oftentimes, it’s hard to trust once again when a new situation comes up. I grow to a deeper trust each time, but the next situation seems to require yet an even deeper trust. You are so right that trust isn’t always easy. Thanks for posting this blog.
I didn’t take that from your first comment at all, that you never struggle. This follow-up comment is so spot-on correct with how I feel.
I’m relieved to hear that. This article has been a blessing for my day. I hope that you don’t mind me reblogging it. I’m planning on sharing it with my inspirational facebook page as well. I long to bless others with your words. I hope that you have a beautiful day.
Certainly, spread the message. It is so kind of you to say that my prayer post presented a blessing on your Sunday. I never know what impact my words might make. Thank you for sharing your gratitude, because now you’ve blessed my Monday.
I’m so happy that I was able to bless you in return. Have a wonderful day.
I will. Thank you.
You’re welcome. :o)
And, if I had a god that I totally understood than he would be no greater than I!!!!! That is one frightening thought!!!!! Thank you so much for this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Excellent point, Doreen. I have said it before, but will repeat. You always offer the most insightful comments.
Sigh…….DH says (sometimes) I think too much. Hmmmmm. Hugs……………..
Never.
Sometimes…I’m not so sure………….
Oh, Doreen…
Very thoughtful piece on prayer Audrey. Also very helpful. So easy at least for myself to become overwhelmed with the exigencies of life, forget that the Lord cares for us. I will start praying that I always put that in my heart and mind. Remembering, He is “Our Father.”
Thank you, Ted. Even as Christians we fail at full trust and praying in the manner in which we should. Thank God we have a forgiving Father who cares for us no matter our human failings.
Reblogged this on Quiet Waters Photography.
It’s true the Bible says to ‘pray without ceasing’. I’m not quite at that point yet, but I do make a habit of praying daily xx
I think your daily prayer fits the definition of “praying without ceasing.”
Thank you for this thought-provoking blog Audrey! By the way, the two gentlemen who own that business (and that sign) on Hwy 14 go to my church. I always love seeing it on my way to Waseca.
And would you be willing to connect me with those gentlemen? If so, would you email me?
Great post today Audrey; yes, our God’s is a wonderful God who’s mightier than any of us can comprehend. I try to start my day each morning with a thank you prayer to God for his grace and love. I’m just like everyone else though; there are days when it seems like the heavens are closed to my prayers. That’s when I feel God gently saying, I hear you and just trust me….that five letter word that’s so hard to do sometimes – trust. Yes, we have an awesome God!
Well said. I so appreciate all of the insightful comments, like yours, made today.
Beautiful post on prayer Audrey. I once heard it said that “Prayer is asking God to align you with His will, rather than asking HIm to be aligned with yours”. It took me awhile to “get that”, I think it comes with , lifes lessons, studying Gods word and maturing as a Christian. Prayer is the lifeline between God and me, I’m glad he never tires of me and my babbling 🙂
I like that “aligning” quote. That’s so correct. And your perspective that prayer serves as a lifeline, is also spot on correct.
It blesses me down to the tip of my toes that My Heavenly Father longs to hear from each of His children. I think most of us widen the horizons of our prayers beyond the “me, me” to the reality of intercessory prayers as we age. Or maybe I shouldn’t say it is due to aging but to ‘maturity.’ I think I am finally maturing – to some extent.
And I think you are correct.
Beautiful 🙂 Be Blessed My Friend!
Thank you, Renee.