I’m indebted to Jerry Sittser and his book When God Doesn’t Answer Your Prayer for insight and articulation in the issue of unanswered prayer. Sittser prays this prayer for his readers, and while I usually include prayers for us to pray, this is a prayer said for you (even if you didn’t read the book):
***
Our Father, I
pray that you draw each one who reads this book into your heart. Give courage
and confidence to pray honestly and reverently, especially when circumstances
make them feel desperate and the disappointment of unanswered prayer weighs
heavy. Give strength to pray persistently, even when there appears to be no
reason for it. Enable each one to pray with a submissive heart, as humble as
Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane; but also with boldness, like the desperate
widow pleading her case before the heartless judge.
God, stir up a holy desire to
seek to know you above all and to become like your Son, Jesus Christ. Provide
what is needed; but also change each one into what you want them to be. Fulfill
your kingdom work, even as they pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done.”
Inspire a renewed vision of the
epic journey of faith and prayer. When there appears to be only darkness,
enable each one to somehow see your light. When there is struggle, as there
surely will be, instill belief in you and your promises. When there are
obstacles, give strength to stay on the journey, even if it seems to lead away
from the goal. Keep reminding each one that the journey culminates in
redemption, the triumph of your kingdom, and the exaltation of your name. Let
all know that you are worthy of complete trust and obedience, for you are God.
No comments:
Post a Comment