“But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.” Psalm 69:13 ESV
One year ago I prayed for two big changes in my life: a new job and a new home.
Prayer #1: A new job
Earlier this week I completed my first year teaching in a new school district and new grade level. It was quite the year, going back and forth between asking myself what in the world I was thinking when I took this job and being thankful for the new, positive work environment.
Prayer #2: A new home
Actually, I do have a new home. It’s not the home I envisioned, and it’s not my long-term home, but God did in fact answer my prayer for a new home. Now if we could move on to a different new home, I’d greatly appreciate it, because the truths about waiting I wrote about last summer are still true, but are wearing awfully thin these days.
It wasn’t an easy year by any means – I’ve dealt with lots of self-doubt, pride, and people-pleasing tendencies. But I’ve also recognized more moments of gratitude, peace, and patience.
And so today’s post is meant to be encouraging, because although we are not promised prayers answered through ease (John 16:33 ESV), we are promised that God hears our prayers and will answer them according to His will.
God Hears Our Prayers
But I need to check on my heart and my faith.
- “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.” Proverbs 15:8 ESV
- “The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” Proverbs 15:29 ESV
- “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive it, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22 ESV
And I need to communicate with Him daily and freely.
- “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 ESV
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 ESV
God Answers Our Prayers According to His Will
- “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” “Proverbs 16:3 ESV
- “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 ESV
- “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21 ESV
- “O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.” Isaiah 25:1 ESV
- “For I know that plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
I didn’t know if I would ever get out of the working and living environments I felt stuck in, but after years (yes, years – don’t give up) of praying. . . and working to have a changed heart. . . and working to have a stronger relationship with God. . . He plucked me out and put me somewhere else. Prayer + faith + waiting + listening = readiness to be responsive to God’s plans over my own.
Here’s to another year!
What are your prayers grounded in – your plans or God’s?
“But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.” Psalm 69:13 ESV
