Be Careful What You Pray For; You Might Just Get It!

According to Saint Teresa of Avila, "More tears have been shed for answered prayers than for unanswered ones." Why is that so? Is it because we sometimes pray for the wrong things or we just don't know what to pray for? Or, is it because we pray for things without thinking about how it will impact us or our loved ones or the other things that are important to us?

In Matthew's Gospel (6:8) we are told, "Your Father knows what you need before you ask him." If that is so, why then do we need to pray? In his first letter to the Thessalonians (5:16-18) Paul answered that question eloquently when he said, "Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Notice that He did not say, "Pray if you want to or if you feel like it." No, He categorically said, "Pray without ceasing ... for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

We know that Jesus always made time for prayer. There are numerous accounts in the Bible. Prayer is the most important action we could undertake in our daily life. Prayer refreshes our relationship with God. It is also the means by which we communicate directly with Him.

In John's Gospel (11:9-13) Jesus says, "Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you." Notice that there are no conditions and no limitations. He did not say, "Ask only if you did a good turn today." No, His invitation is unconditional just like His love for us.

To help us better understand this offer, Jesus continues with, "Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion?"

Then to restate His faithfulness, He ends it with, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

Friends, all we really have to do is ask. In John's Gospel (16:23-24) Jesus reminds us of this by saying, "Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, He will give it to you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete."

We must however remember that in His divine wisdom, God knows when He should say no - and save us from having to shed tears for answered prayers. That does not mean that He loves us any less. In fact, it is because God loves us so much that He sometimes says no. This is no different from when we say no to our own children because we know that what they are asking for is not the best thing for them at this time.

We need to have strong faith in God. We need to trust in God. We need to place all our cares at His feet, knowing deep down in our hearts, that He will only do what is best for us. I know that this is easier said than done so let me share this true story with you.

The year I finished school, I applied for a position as a warehouse clerk in an assembly plant. I visualized myself at the counter receiving requests from the workers and filling those orders without delay. The few days I had to wait for an answer felt more like weeks. When the answer came, I did not get the position and I was extremely disappointed.

A few years later, when I was gainfully self-employed, I opened the local newspaper and read about the closure of the said assembly plant. Many people were loosing their jobs. Many families were affected. I realized then that God knew about that closure even when I applied for that position and because of His great love for me, He said no. In His divine goodness and mercy He spared me the agony that so many others were experiencing at that time.

Did I know that at the time? No! I just knew that I did not get the position and I was downright disappointed. Now, when God says no to one of my requests, it is still difficult for me to accept. But, deep down in my heart, I know that it is only because He loves me so much.

Experiences like this helps us to strengthen our relationship with God and through prayer we are more willing to sincerely say, "Thy will be done!" Someday, we will be ready to say, "Thank you God for saying no to my prayers."

In the Bible (1 Kings 3:9-13) we read about King Solomon's prayer and how God gave him so much that "no other king shall compare with you." In the Old Testament (1 Samuel 1:10-11) we read about how Hannah was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord.

Do you get up every morning praising God and thanking Him for the most important gift of all - the gift of life? Without that gift, nothing else matters. Do you sincerely invite God to take control of your life and guide you through the day? If your answer to this question is no or maybe or sometimes, you may want to consider starting your day with this simple prayer.

Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. I ask You to come into my heart. I make You my Lord and Savior. I love You and I thank you for the gift of life for my family and for myself on this most glorious morning. I invite you to take control of our lives today. Forgive us for all the wrongs that we have ever done and grant that all our future thoughts, words and actions will be right and pleasing to you. I ask this in your name Jesus. Amen!