Prayer Is Still a Mystery

Today is the National Day of Prayer in the United States. Throughout Scripture God works through nations and we are admonished to pray for our own countries.

Last week our ministry came together around the globe for our semi-annual Worldwide Day of Prayer. We have been doing that since the founding of our mission in 1951—a treasured time to be on our knees as one, petitioning our Lord for the people and needs of our Kingdom efforts.

In a few weeks, on June 2, hundreds of people who love prodigals will come together virtually for the 10 Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day. We pray all year, but on June 2 we focus on the names of several thousand prodigals for whom people have requested prayer. What a privilege.

Clearly, I am a fan of prayer.

I believe in prayer.

I say often that “the work of God is done on our knees—then we go find out what happened.”

I lead the virtual global prayer for prodigals community.

Yet to me prayer remains such a mystery.  How in the world could the most high God who created it all invite me to talk with Him, to make requests, to ask for His favor and His action on my behalf?!?

How, indeed!

Yet He does.

He says:  Come.  Ask.  Confess.  Inquire.  Thank.  Trust.  Cry.  Wait.  Pray.

He says: All the time.  Without ceasing.  Without worry.  Without fear. Without giving up. With thanksgiving.  With faith.

He says:  I will listen.  I will hear.  I will respond.  I will answer.  Wait.  I have a better idea.He adds:  Ask for more—I have more to give.  Ask for the impossible—nothing is too difficult for me.  Ask for your heart’s desire—I am already answering.

He reminds:  Ask in My will.  Check your motives.  Be bold.  Believe.

Mystery, for sure.I choose to walk with Him, and talk with Him.  To thank Him and bless Him.  But also I cry out to Him and beg to know “why?”  I believe and I doubt.  I ask with bold courage and trembling fear.

Yet God says I can move His hand.  I can affect those I love and the world beyond.  I can see miracles.

“You have not because you ask not.  Ask.  I love when you come to talk with me, to share your hurts and confusion and fears and hopes and needs and desires.  When you open your heart to me.  When you tell me how you really feel. When you love to be with me. When you obey and trust.”

We talk.  God listens and He responds. God hears my prayers and He answers.

How can this be?!?

Yet it is.

What about you?  What is the mystery of prayer for you? 

C2015 Judy Douglass