Dim Glass Gospel Glimpses THE FATHER’S PURPOSE IN PRAYER written by Rachel Dube Have you ever been in a place in life where you were burdened with a heavy weight, crying out to God often, fervently asking Him for something so strong on your heavy heart? Maybe even asking other people to pray for you as well?
Do we truly believe that God is a good Father? If He is, then what does it mean when He does not answer our prayers according to our will?
What if all the prayers do not seem to “do” anything? Have you ever questioned if you or those praying for you are not praying the right things? When I question whether my prayers are effective, the root of my questioning is not truly my own ability to pray – whether I am praying the right thing or in the right way. Jesus himself prayed that if there could be another way, He wouldn’t have to go to the cross. The question, “Are my prayers effective?” has much more to do with whether I trust in the ultimate goodness, faithfulness, and trustworthiness of God. Matthew 7:7-11 (NIV) states, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to
you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Do we truly believe that God is a good Father? If He is, then what does it mean when He does not answer our prayers according to our will? As difficult as this may be to hear, Scripture reveals to us that our Father cares more about reaching, breaking, and transforming us than He does about saving us from temporary discomfort or even real pain. Look back at Jesus’ prayer before the cross: CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE 39
