Compiled & Edited by Julia Angiletta

www.juliaangiletta.com

We all have moments in which we wonder if prayer is working. Especially when we prayed for a "thing" to break or for our circumstances to "change". But how do you respond when it seems that nothing is happening after you have spent hours, days, months, or even years praying; and you have not seen a breakthrough or feel that you have not heard the answer to the many petitions and questions you've asked God? What then?

We often grow weary and tired of the "silence." How often do we find ourselves asking these questions: "Where is God?" "Can you hear me?" or "Do I not know how to pray?"

During times of desperation and feeling low, we frequently avoid persevering through the doubts and insecurities we encounter while waiting. Instead of adhering to the biblical guidance to pray continuously and without ceasing, we do the opposite. We grow weary from waiting, our hearts become heavy, and we find ourselves dissatisfied and discontent, leading to negative and unappreciative attitudes. This approach is not conducive to a loving and benevolent God. He loves us and wants to grant us all the gifts we are meant to receive.

Let's explore some biblical principles and promises to guide us through times when prayer seems ineffective or when we feel weary and unmotivated to pray.

God invites people to bring their pain, grief, anger, and anxiety to him in prayer and promises to provide comfort and peace. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in ways that are too deep for words. "And in like manner, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered;" (ASV)

If we put all of our trust in Jesus, He will never let us down. This scripture passage reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of the Lord.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."

God tells us that He has plans to give us a good life and that He is not going to hurt us. We have to approach prayer with this promise in mind. He is a good God and wants to give us His utmost. "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

When we pray, may our hearts always be bowed in adoration, gratitude, and humility toward our loving God, because we know that His eyes are "open and [His] ears attentive to the prayers" of His people.

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand." His peace will guard our hearts and minds as we live our lives for Jesus.

The next question we should ask ourselves is why would God inspire these scripture verses, and many more, to be written for us to reflect on when we are facing difficult times. Because His word is our inheritance. His word is alive and carries with it the power to destroy strongholds. Giants that we are all going to face in this present and wickedly inspired environment called "the world". His word is a weapon that is sure to bring us victory against all trials, setbacks, disappointments, and failures. He also calls us more than conquerors and His command to us is to stand, when we have done all that we know to do, we are instructed to stand and hold our convictions close to our hearts, expecting for us to come out of every spiritual battle as winners! In Christ, there is no loss and we are not losers. We win!

Especially in troubled times, we need to take hold of the Word of God and stand strong on the promises and encouragements that the Holy Spirit brings through every word that is uttered in desperate times. He is our comforter and our guide. We take up our strength in knowing that God promises us victory over every foe. The unknown writer of Psalm 119 said: "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I've promised it once, and I'll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations...The wicked have set their traps for me, but I will not turn from your commandments. Your laws are my treasure: they are my heart's delight." (verses 105-106, 110-111).

Let us pray...