You know an “aha” moment as soon as it happens. It occurred last Sunday when my husband announced the title of his message; it was, “Prayer, The Hope for America.” The Lord brought to my mind a prayer I had prayed just a few days ago; “Lord, help me to know how to pray.” I thought of that prayer in that moment and the Lord spoke to me saying, “Listen. This is your answer.”
My pen was readied and my heart attentive for whatever the Lord was going to teach me. You see, I had asked the Lord to teach me to pray because I was feeling frustrated in my prayer life; I had been struggling as I prayed. I can’t always seem to say quite what’s on my heart. There are times when heaven seems so far and the Lord’s presence distant as well. Was I missing something?
In case someone else struggles with this, let me share with you the two simple truths (my “Aha’s”) that spoke to my heart:
- I haven’t prayed with the real faith that God could change the situation – especially in regard to our country. I’ve prayed for our president, but not with faith believing that he could be saved and our nation could turn back to the Lord. I’ve doubted. But without faith it is impossible to please God… Hebrews 11:6 So, the first answer is I must pray in faith believing that God is able to do even that which seems impossible.
- I’ve been too caught up with my prayer, my words, my pleas. “Get the focus off yourself and pray. No one has ever prayed a perfect prayer.” Those words spoken in the message were another part of my answer. Not that I expected to pray a perfect prayer, but I was focusing on my prayer rather than the God to whom I was praying. Psalm 25:14 – The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him. . . To be with the Lord in that secret place is the sweetest part of praying. That’s what my focus must be – the delight of time with my God.
RefreshHer 
Oh, Denise this is exactly what I needed this morning. It is like you have read my mind and my heart. I am struggling in my prayer life. This is what I need to remember everyday. I am so thankful that the Lord laid this on your heart to write about. I know I don't comment often but I love your blog and read it every morning. Love you
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I appreciate you sharing this, Linda. You don't know how close I came to deleting this post. I'm glad I listened to the Lord, and that it encouraged you. I'm also glad I'm not the only one who experiences times like this in prayer. It's worth it to persevere through it, though, isn't it?! Our God will answer and He does hear us!
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