Does Prayer Really Work?
by Emily Randall | Sep 11, 2016
I’ve always been a big advocate on prayer; even ‘pre’ life in Christ praying was something I felt connected to. Culturally, praying is expanded throughout the nations as a spiritual connection with the creator as to whom you worship. Luckily for us, the power of the Holy Spirit reigns true, and prayer really does work – but sometimes not in the context that you would expect.
Prayer is direct communication with the creator of the universe. Let that sink in for a second. The creator of the WHOLE entire universe invites YOU into the sanctity of prayer and actually calls us into it as Christians:
“You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows.” Job 22:27
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2
These are a couple examples within scripture, but there are many more to be added.
Anyways, prayer is real and it allows us to build this intimate relationship with Christ, the type of relationship he desires us to have. I like to think of it as any relationship. Communication is key to trust and building a solid foundation. It wasn’t until recently that I’ve realized the power of prayer and how my knowledge of prayer was very little.
First and foremost I would like to invite you into thinking of prayer in a positive light. I think as believers we really do trust that God is listening; I mean he wants to “give us the desire of our hearts!” but what does that really mean? Sometimes when we pray we feel that our desires aren’t met, and begin to question if God is really listening? Here are some things to remember about prayer that might help you recognize that God is and always is listening to you.
Gods timing IS perfect
When we pray we expect direct results. But our God wants the best for us; he wants to give us a beautiful 4-course meal not cheap Chinese take out. He wants every one of our taste buds to be ignited and our stomachs to be full once we are finished. Basically he takes TIME. In the aspect of the 4-course meal, he’s going to take all stinking day to cook you a meal that’s going to take 20 minutes to eat. Sometimes yes, we can get direct results and hallelujah for that, but most of the time, especially when we are praying these HUGE prayers its impossible to get direct results. God has to work his way through a lot in order to give us our hearts full desires. Pro-tip: If patience is something you struggle with or you feel anxious about a certain situation, ask God to give you patience for that and trust in his perfect timing.
You don’t have the vision that God has for you
This next one was difficult for me to wrap my head around but it is the most important concept of prayer. Along with patience, God wants us to give him complete control over all situations. I know how hard it is, trust me I’ve been there; but once we are able to do that and fully trust that he wants the best for us, we will be free from the burdens.
Let me elaborate on that concept because it is SO important to not only understanding God and his plan for our lives but also the vastness of prayer.
Sometimes as humans with our small ideas and concepts, we go to God asking for something that we feel will be best for our lives (like we really know). In our rational mind we convince ourselves that it is what we need for our lives to be exactly where it needs to be; for it to be ‘perfect’.
For example, I go to God asking for him to bring back my ex-boyfriend or for us to reconcile because “I know” that this is what is supposed to be for my life. I pray to him “God please bring my ex back I know we would work, I’m a different person then we were when we were dating and if this is your will please let it be.” Well first off, writing that made me realize how petty and sad that sounds but it was a place I was at for a while.
Anyways long story short, ex and I not getting back together (as of not in the view that God has allowed me to see) and he has humbled me through that. Basically, we go to God with these prayers expecting and wanting ONE thing out of it. Our small minds cannot comprehend the vastness and the ways that God works and the power he has over each one of our lives. We then conclude that if he doesn’t answer the prayer then he must not be listening. WRONG. God is listening he wants to give you the deepest desires of your heart remember? But we must recognize only GOD really KNOWS what is best for you and perfect for your life in every situation, not us.
As for my situation, I truly believed that I was supposed to be with my ex. It took me months of continuous surrendering it to Christ, surrendering it to Christ, in order for me to completely let it go and let Gods will take over. I think our lack of vision for what God sees for us and has for us may make us weary at times. He expects great things out of us and wants us to have every part of our hearts met but as humans who are in such a corrupt world, it’s easy to get lost in the ordinary that society expects for us. He wants us to have the best of the best the 4-course meal, and we settle for the Chinese take out. For me, even through all the prayer, the begging the pleading with God, the feeling of I KNOW THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE, God “shut the door” in a sense (for now). Not because he wasn’t listening or not because I’m disobedient but because he has something better.
This brings me to my next point……
Trusting in his full plan
God has a vision for us, but allowing ourselves to actually rest in that concept and comprehend it is where our prayers really start to take power. This is something I read the other day that I thought made perfect sense.
YES; WAIT; OR I HAVE SOMETHING BETTER.
Usually we would think its either a yes, wait or no when we come to God with prayer. I think we forget that if it’s a “no” whatever this means in our eyes is completely different then what God sees. Maybe you didn’t get the Job, or the acceptance to school or maybe you didn’t get back together with your ex but that’s just proof that God has SOMETHING BETTER. The creator of the universe cares and knows your heart so well he has something even better for you than you thought. Something bigger and more transformative in your life than you thought! That will bring you different joy, a different perspective and more clarity. Our God wants us to be happy. Ladies, think of him as a boyfriend, he wants to SURPISE US. How mundane of him to give us something that we already want, or even if he does give us what we “want” its not going to be in the way you think you’re going to get it. He wants to catch us off guard and then give us our desires 10 folds! How cool is that!!
So to answer the question, YES OFCOURSE PRAYER WORKS. God is listening; we just have to remember that he knows what’s best for our lives. If we are able to trust in his perfect plan and surrender that will too him he will give us everything we want, and even better!
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORDand wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”Psalm 37:4-14
If you have any questions or like this post – please comment! Would love to hear opinions on this topic or other insights or stories of prayer working in your life!
Also prayer requests are always welcomed! As a community of believers we should be raising each other up and loving each other as Christ loves us.
Xo
Emily Randall
