Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
When you go to God in prayer, what do you ask for?
For yourself? For others?
Healing? A better job? Restored relationship? Travel mercies? Blessings for spouse and family and friends?
And, when you have asked for in prayer doesn't turn out the way you hoped, how do you react? Are you disappointed? Angry? Bitter?
Do you stop asking God for anything anymore?
Or, worse, do you stop praying altogether?
Because, His answer is "no"?
And, you don't get what you want. Right then. Right now.
I have been there . . .
Wallowing in self-pity. Immersed in the dark night of the soul.
Not. Asking. For. One. Thing.
Until . . .
Something so momentous, so unimaginably wonderful happens.
Something I have asked for. So long ago, I cannot recall when. Exactly.
And, I see . . .
In His time, in His way, in His great love, He answers me.
Shows me why "thy will be done" is the perfect prayer.
Always.
He gives me the love of my life. The joy of my heart.
Danny.
And, today marks seven years since we exchange wedding vows.
Where two become one.
Because, God joins us together.
Happy Anniversary, my Love!
~
How have your prayers been answered?
Will you pray with me?
Father, You know our needs before we ask. Help us to accept Your answers to our prayers be they a "yes" or a "no". Let us always trust in Your plan for our lives. Thy will be done. Amen.
Readings
Psalms 51:1-18 (19-20) or 69:1-23
Lamentations 1:1-2; 6-12
2 Corinthians 1:1-7
Mark 11:12-25
Happy Anniversary to you and your love Danny! Have a beautiful day and celebrate!
ReplyDeleteAnswered prayers come everyday, sometimes the answer is wait, yes, or no, but they come and I trust my Lord's wisdom Martha.
Sending a HUGE HUG today;)
Thanks so much, Leah! Everyday is beautiful, but today is especially so. :)
DeleteAnd, yes, we must always trust that the Lord will answer prayer in His time.
Big hugs and blessings back at you!
Oh this is so beautiful Martha! My niece and I were just talking about how God responds to prayers.
ReplyDeleteShe told me God doesn't give me a bf because it's not what I truly seek...my heart wishes something else.
I remember when I heard God calling me for mission and He made all possible ways to make it true. God also knew when it was time to go and live a new life...
God knows what is best for us even if it's incomprehensible most of the time.
I trust Him.
God bless you and Dsnny :) You deserve all the best in life! I pray with you always.
Thank you, Melissa, for stopping by!
DeleteOh, your little niece is wise beyond her years, isn't she? God, indeed, knows are hearts and knows what is best for us. I know you trust fully in Him.
Thanks, too, for praying with me and for your blessings on Danny and me. I am feeling extra-blessed today! :)
May blessings abound for you!
Happy Anniversary to you both!
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to prayer, I don't really pray anymore...not the way I used to. It's not because my prayers weren't answered or I feel bitter or anything it's because I'm starting to view God differently. Instead of coming with him for requests I come to Him in silence, opening my heart up to Him. Sometimes with an intention for a question to be answered, sometimes just in adoration and with a receptive spirit. It is then that I receive His warmth, love and oftentimes directions spontaneously will arise I will leave my time with Him with discernment and the strength and clarity to overcome obstacles.
~blessings
Thanks so much, Jessica!
DeleteI so love how you are meeting God in the silence. Too often, we only pray when we want or need something for ourselves or for those we love. We forget to just approach the throne with humble and thankful hearts and simply listen to what He has to say to us. You have given us all such a marvelous reminder here!
Blessings to you in everything!
SOmetimes it's so hard to pray..when I see so much suffering around me...I have this need to understand... but I can't .... little by little I am finding my way back to prayer..I find it very easy to pray for others...whatever the situation...but I can not seem to find a way to pray for myself.. such a frustrating thing... but I do see good around also... one of those things is you and Danny..... HAPPY ANNIVERSARY..... As always...XOXOXOXO
ReplyDeleteOh, Bonnie, thank you so much for your sweet words and anniversary wishes!
DeleteIt is difficult to pray for something and still continue to see suffering. However, Jesus doesn't always save us from the storms, but walks beside us, getting us through it.
I love Jessica's approach to prayer she describes in her comment above. Maybe just approaching Him in silence would suit you best, too. :)
Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings to you!
Happy Anniversary!!! Lately I see prayer as more a searching than an asking. I continue to lift up others in prayer but my prayer for myself is more to align myself with God's will for me. Here's some questions I try to ask: Where's the opportunity in this? How can God use this _______? What is God's will? How can I move into that? Or do I need to move aside for that? What is my role in this? Just a few thoughts....
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Lynne!
DeleteI love your thoughts here; it reflects exactly where I, too, am in the "asking" business. I don't hesitate to ask for others, but I am spending more time just listening to God and praying that I do His will. Beautiful questions . . .
Blessings to you!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MARTHA... most of my wishes have been fulfilled.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post.
Thank you, Janaki!
DeleteIf most of your wishes have been fulfilled, you are a most fortunate woman who knows how to appreciate her blessings. :)
More blessings to you!
That was so beautiful, I don't quite know what to say. I will say that finally after much seeking/trying and only with God foremost in my life did He fill the hole in my heart with yours. I am so blessed to have you in my life everyday.
ReplyDeleteI love you, Danny, and I wouldn't change a thing about our life together. I thank God for you every single day. We are, indeed, blessed!
DeleteAnd, did I mention you're the best husband in the world? :)
Beautiful words, Martha. :) I pray for all things that need fixing. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, Rachel!
DeleteThat is a good thing to ask God in prayer. I believe He will "fix" everything and bring us to perfection in Him when all is said and done.
Blessings to you!
My dear Martha,
ReplyDeleteLove has the power to bind two hearts into everlasting. I always marvel at sweet love when it is visible through the hearts of two lovers. Congratulations on your big day my friend.
Thanks so much, Andy, for stopping by and for wishing Danny and me all the best.
DeleteAnd, I know that you, of all people, recognize romance when you see it! :) I think we are both blessed with loving, caring marriages.
Blessings to you!
Congratulations, Martha and Danny. Just the other day I was thinking how God is never too busy to answer our prayers - it's just we who don't trust Him enough. His answers may not come the way we want them to - but He always answers! I'm glad He answered the prayer of both your hearts, Martha. God bless you both.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Corinne, for stopping by and leaving your well-wishes.
DeleteYes, we do feel that God has most richly blessed us and we are ever thankful for this.
And, you are so right - He does answer prayers and we need to keep our hearts and minds open to what He is telling us.
Blessings!