Up and Down in Prayer

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Do you ever get to the point like giving up on something or someone? Knowing there is nothing you can do to change it or them? Feeling defeated, like your prayers are going unheard? Last fall, there were a few situations I became discouraged over, and I remember telling my husband my angst on our way home from church. He graciously responded, 'It's a good place to be' and pointed me to the Lord. We put away our things from Sunday's activities, and I began to read a book I had been wanting to read, "It Happens After Prayer," by H.B. Charles Jr. 'Weary, frustrated, discouraged, faint, at wit's end, hopeless' (45-47); "...prayer is the remedy for discouragement...divine insulation for your heart and mind" (48, 150). Over the next few weeks, I was greatly challenged and refreshed in prayer and want to share in hope that it might encourage you.

The book opens by acknowledging the real and present sufferings in this life, but we are to, 'Respond to life with prayer, without ceasing, with great expectations' (15). "It [prayer] is an expression of submission to God and dependence upon Him...you trust God to handle...Prayer reflects our confidence" (16-17). But I was responding with despair, gazing at my circumstances and was depending on myself. And because I could not change what was going on, I was losing hope. This was a good place for me to start confessing in prayer. 

Looking at Nehemiah 1:11, H.B. highlighted how Nehemiah viewed and referred to one of the most powerful kings of the world as a mere man. "Before you tell God about how big your problem is, tell God how big He is! Exalt the Lord in prayer. Worship him…the greater God becomes to you, the smaller your problems will become" (92-93). 'I needed to put my focus on God' (114). As I shifted my gaze to Him, His goodness and care, my prayer was colored by praise, thanks and hope: "prayer changes me...God is always more concerned about what is happening in you than He is about what is happening to you " (22, 156). What did Nehemiah do after he prayed? 'He continued to fulfill his duties…his daily routine…waiting on God’s perfect timing” (108). I considered how I could be faithful, in the midst, and found resolve in prayer to persevere with patience.

The greatest comfort I found was in the parables of the friend and wicked judge in Luke 11 and 18, to contrast the character of men to that of the Lord: "God answers prayer. This is the most important lesson you can learn about prayer" (27-28). Because of Christ, the Father answers His children out of love, not irritation, and for their benefit, at His expense. This is the fuel for persistent petitions: "Pray as if everything depends on God...Need drives us to God in prayer...needy people pray...seek God for what only He can provide" (31, 34, 36). I had a present need, and only the Lord could "fix it." I needed to keep praying and waiting: "By taking your needs to God in prayer, you are not telling Him something He does not know. You are affirming that God is the one who is able to meet your need" (147).

I do not believe I am alone in the temptation to go up and down in prayer: "Legitimate concern turns into sinful anxiety when we allow our hearts and minds to be pulled into different directions by our circumstances…pulled apart with worry" (138-139). With real needs and sufferings, it is easy to take our eyes off of the Lord and be clouded in our thinking. But God, knowing our frame, sent His Son, so we could draw near to Him now in prayer! May the Spirit reveal ways in which we depend upon and run to lesser things or people, instead of to Him. May He continue to grow our knowledge of the Father's love, to see Him as He is and our circumstances as they are, to find new strength and a sound mind. May we desire his glory in all things. Only He can hear, answer and work all of our prayers for our good and His glory. To God be the praise! 

Praise Reports:

  1. We were blessed to witness a church member's commissioning to serve as an elder at a church in Georgia;
  2. We finished our last video and are working on our exam for phase 2 of IBCD training; and
  3. We continue cultivating relationships with our 2 young adult sons, family and friends.  

Prayer Requests (the Lord's will in all):

  1. Wisdom, endurance & to walk in the Spirit; 
  2. Discipline & understanding, as Husband & I continue IBCD training and serving with our church;
  3. Relationships to continue growing and maturing; and
  4. Witnessing and discipleship opportunities.


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