Let's pray it out

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

I sat down recently and wrote down names of people I want to pray for regularly. I came up over 180 names! I wasn't counting as I wrote, just logging their names as the Spirit prompted, but I was surprised at the number when I put down my pen. People I know personally who I want to mention in prayer.

I need a list because my brain can only hold onto about three items at a time. If you ask me to pray for you, I’ll do it. If you want me to continue praying for you, one or the other of us better write it down, preferably with a name, date, and the specific ask! Otherwise (apologies), you'll drop off my radar. I think there's value in staying on the radar. Not that God didn't hear us the first time, not that He can't help or refuses to respond. But keeping something at the forefront reminds me that I'm still waiting and watching for His answer.
 
Won’t God protect his chosen ones who pray to him day and night? Won’t he be concerned for them?  -Luke 18:7 (CEV)
 
I am convinced prayer is worthwhile. I have witnessed amazing things following prayer. Physical healings that can only be described as miraculous. Relationships restored that were beyond repair. Financial needs met from out of nowhere when all resources were exhausted. Hopeless souls realizing their identity in Christ. Leaders blossoming in the most unlikely of places and situations. It seems, inexplicably, the Creator of the universe knows my name, hears my voice, and responds to my requests.

But I’ve also seen times when what I thought was “the prayer of a righteous man” did not, as near as I could tell, “availeth much”. I used to pray regularly and fervently for God to “fix it” for me and those I cared about. Sometimes, I got the answer I was hoping for very quickly. Other times, not so much. I would question whether my faith was lacking. I would even question whether God was listening. Why did prayer "work" in one case, but not another?

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  -2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)

I've begun to realize that all my prayers are answered, one way or another. God is sovereign, His ways are higher than mine, and His timing is not my timing. Every time I’ve experienced tremendous growth, it seemed to coincide with a trial I was desperately trying to pray my way out of. It raised the question: Were there growth opportunities I had missed because I was too impatient to wait for God’s best?

I’ve  started praying differently. Instead of asking God to change circumstances, I now ask for grace, peace, comfort, and wisdom. I ask Him to use the situation to bring glory to Himself. Don't get me wrong - I still offer suggestions! But at the end of the day, I don't presume. I try to leave things in His hands, knowing He is a wise and loving Father with my best interests at heart. I’ll face no trial or obstacle that was not first reviewed by Him. If He thinks I can handle it, then by His grace I will. Let's pray it out - it'll likely be the most significant thing we accomplish today.

Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.  -Luke 22:42 (NIV)