2 of 3

Is praying specific prayers important?

I think it is. There's nothing wrong with telling God what you want, but you've always got to pray, "God, more than anything else, I want what you want." I try to be honest about what I long for. But first I go to God in confession to make sure my attitude is right.

What if a person feels his or her prayers don't sound "good enough"?

Oh, I feel that way, too. I've often thought, I'm nobody. Why would God answer my prayers? But thank God he's not impressed by eloquence; he's impressed by our longing for him.

But what about when God doesn't seem to answer?

I have a family member for whose salvation I pray—a wonderful person who's closed off to the gospel. When I think of this person's background, I understand the reasons. But I wonder, Lord, I've been praying for this person to come to you for 25 years. How much longer? But I can't stop praying, even though I don't see an answer.

Sometimes it feels as though our prayers aren't heard, that we're babbling into space or that our words hit the ceiling. But if you pray in Jesus' name, those prayers are heard, and they are doing something—even if you don't see God's answers this side of heaven. Sometimes I think God allows things to go on and on so our roots can grow strong in him. It requires us to lay down our desires and say, "Not my will, God, but yours be done." When we're burdened about something, God either will change the situation—or our heart.

What about fasting?

The Bible is filled with references to prayer and fasting as the way to receive God's wisdom and power. I remember one particularly rough week when Michael went on a business trip and my three kids were spending the weekend with friends. The empty house only magnified how empty I felt. I had known for a while that my marriage was in trouble. So I told God, "I need answers. I'm not eating until I hear something from you." I stayed in my bed, read my Bible, prayed, journaled, and fasted. I knew if I wanted to see a breakthrough, fasting was the way to do it.

It's not about works or manipulating God into responding; it's about putting God first. Every time I felt a hunger pang, I'd pray about my marriage. I'm sure God had been speaking to me about my marriage for years, but it wasn't until I began to fast that I really heard him.

next page... |  2 of 3

	What did you think of this story?
	Please to give us your feedback.

Home  |  People of Faith  |  Stories of Hope  |  Today's Culture
Build Your Faith  |  Laughing Matters  |  Archives  |  Contact Us

				Try 3 Issues of Christianity Today Free! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address Subscribe to Christianity Today and get 3 free trial issues. No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. If you decide you want to keep Christianity Today coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive nine more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The three trial issues are yours to keep, regardless. Give Christianity Today as a gift Order a gift subscription!