Greetings Prayer Warriors,
We have been praying for marriages for a long time, and graces have been abundant as a result of that. You may have been praying for a particular marriage, perhaps your own or a loved one’s. Maybe you saw the effect of your prayers, maybe not. However, if I’ve learned anything in life, it is that God’s timing has little resemblance to MY (preferred) timing. We often pray thinking that if we follow a specified formula, we will get what we want. But then when that doesn’t happen, we question God. WE knew what WE needed. How could the answer be silence or inaction?
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; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8
This can leave us confused. But the Lord does answer. Perhaps He first tests your faith. Then he may test your commitment to your marital vows. He may even take the opportunity to help you grow in virtue (understanding, patience, perseverence). He may even help you remove the beam from your eyes!* He is pouring out gifts to you, but you don’t notice because they weren’t what you asked for, but He knew they are what you (or your spouse) needed. “Everyone who asks, receives!” He is opening the kingdom to you, but preparing you first!
Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Romans 12:12
He never wearies of your voice, your prayers, and your petitions. In fact, he delights in them.
Lord, we admit, that we can sometimes become weary in prayer, as we wait in anticipation of a response. We sometimes feel hidden, neglected, and unheard. Help us to understand that we are always seen by a loving Father who never loses sight of His children, are loved by God beyond human measure, and that every murmur and sigh of ours is heard with clarity by our Lord. Help us to see our spouse with the eyes of the Father. Grant us the patience with our spouse the Lord provides to us. Finally, help us to persevere in prayer with an unwavering trust. Be generous with your gift of faith. You are our strength, Lord, and we will always trust in you.
“I do believe, help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Belief is born of prayer. Keep praying and pass it on!
* Matthew 7:5
