We must never limit the effectiveness of our prayers to the specifics of what was given. There is always more to our relationship with God than the things we receive from Him. Think about those times God granted your prayer requests. Often, several things had to come together, or certain people had to be put in place so you could get what you needed. Even then, your answered prayers came with extra benefits you did not ask for or could not have anticipated. The way God works is always grander than what you see as your immediate needs. In those cases where you did not receive the things you asked for, given enough time, you witnessed how God used alternative scenarios, individuals, and resources to bring you to another place that was just as meaningful and secure. It was not the place you originally planned for, or in the time you scheduled or using the methods you preferred. Yet, the hindsight of time has proven the superiority of God's ways to your own. There was always more going on than what you thought you needed.
God's grander purposes are precisely why persistence in prayer is necessary, especially during our times of prolonged stress. This persistence has nothing to do with the number of times we pray. It means that every time we have an opportunity to pray about what distresses us, we take it. The more time devoted to prayer strengthens our relationship with God and gives us a deeper understanding of the circumstances that affect us. An example of this can be found in the Parable of the Unjust Judge (Luke 17:1-8). Here, a widow relentlessly petitioned a judge to grant her justice in her case. She could not have pursued the judge 24 hours a day, seven days a week. She had to sleep, eat, cook, bathe, and run errands. The judge also had his life outside the courts. However, as she had opportunities to remind the judge of her desperation, she took them. Jesus explicitly stated that the parable was about the necessity of persistent prayer. He noted two things about how God responds to those who repeatedly cry out to Him: He preserves them, and He answers them quickly (Luke 18:7-8). We all understand God's preservation. However, the idea behind God's quickness is not that He acts immediately but that He acts at the right time. God not only preserves us, but He works in the time that best suits His purposes. Persistent prayer helps us better understand and appreciate both those things.
Prayer gives us so much more than getting the things we want. It is there to help us discern how our requests should fit into what else is happening in our lives. Going before God, telling Him what we need, why we believe it is necessary, what we see as the benefits, and then being open to His feedback is all part of the discipline of prayer. All these things help sensitize our hearts to the voice of God and, ultimately, to understand His will. Are there things in your life that you long to see changed? Have you prayed for solutions for so long you are ready to give up? Maybe its time for a new approach. Try speaking and listening. Give yourself time to hear God speak and be prepared to be led by His Spirit into a fuller understanding of your circumstances. I believe it will happen. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." - John 10:27
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