Usually when we pray it is only after realizing we are out of options for our situation. We have pondered, and thought and there just doesn’t seem to be any answer that, in the natural course of things, will resolve our issue. We could just give up on any answer.

So finally we turn to prayer. This too is inward thinking, for the most part. We really can’t see clearly what would be best even if things did go right; it’s just too complex. But we still find ourselves trying to explain to God what it is that has to happen for our situation to be resolved,  as if He needed our help in this. In the end, we don’t have any real sense of peace or satisfaction.

All this is wrong. 

We ought to bring all our needs to God constantly. As a day by day thing we should be lifting our hearts to Him in prayer. That is what is meant by the scripture, “pray always.”

Then when a particular issue is before us, we should go before the Lord first, thinking of who He is. We should ponder His greatness in creation and in power and in knowledge. Don’t shortchange this process and don’t treat it perfunctorily. Our faith is not dependent on an emotional feeling but on the facts of God. The more we think about who He is and what He is, the more likely we will be able to believe that He is able to deal with our situation. This requires a knowledge of scripture.

Think about what His Word tells us about God. 

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. (Psalm 19;1)

And, thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: (Hebrews 1:10)

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11)

Think about the scope, the scale, the power of this God we worship. Think about the stars, their multitude, their distance, their sizes. Who did this? Think about the complexity of design in the universe, our planet, all its creatures. Who was so intelligent as to do this?

Behold, I am the Lord , the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27)

Having gotten a reminder of what God is, now think about who He is.

Our Father who art in Heaven…

Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:7)

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6)

Now, think about His attitude toward us. Again from the Word, 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Ponder your own attitude toward your child, if you are a parent. Is there anything good that you would not do for him/her? Does he always understand and appreciate that you are acting for his good? Do you need his help to figure out what to do? (Sometimes, we do, of course, but if we were God, would we need the help of an infant in figuring our what to do?)

Now, ponder the price God paid for our salvation through the death of His beloved Son and then realize that,

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32)

So, God is completely able, God is completely willing, God has promised. 

Do you just promise things to your child and then deliberately forget about it? Of course not, your integrity depends upon this. You would never have your child think you are not reliable, or trustworthy.

Try hard not to lay out a plan of action and a timetable for your Father. He doesn’t need it. He doesn’t expect it. He really doesn’t even want it. And He usually just ignores it. He already knows what needs to be done. He knows how to do it. He is in complete control of all the circumstances.

It is enough to just lay a matter before your Father without prescribing how or when something has to be done. He can figure it out. He knows what is coming and how your situation fits into His plan for your life. And He does have a plan. You think God just lets things go whatever way they will? Nope. Your Father is in control. Don’t ask me to explain all the sin and tragedy that is so evident in the world. That is a whole ‘nother subject and there is an explanation even if it doesn’t suit your idea of justice, right and fairness. Leave all that in God’s hands for now. 

Just lay your problem before your Father. And then leave it there.

God frequently wants specific action from us and we shouldn’t just play dumb. But basically, we need to trust God. Leave things where you put them; in His hands. That is what is meant by the wonderful command and promise in the Word.

Don’t fall into the trap of wondering if you are worthy of an answer. Of course, you aren’t. No one is. We all are impoverished and deserve nothing. But our Father does not dole out his stuff based on merit. If He did, He would have never sent the Savior. Keep your focus on Him, not yourself. 

It’s ok if a thought of guilt about something comes up. But just tell Him you are guilty and you are sorry and you repent. That’s it. Move on back to God, not yourself. He’s not keeping score and doesn’t need you to.

Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4;6,7).

Wow! How do you shut off emotional worry? By an act of the will. You did all the stuff explained above, didn’t you? Now just tell God when worry creeps back in, that you are going to do what He commands you in this verse and NOT spend time fretting. Every time the worry creeps back, preach this to yourself and talk to God.

When will you see results? I don’t know. I do know that our timetable is usually shorter than God’s. Our solutions are usually more direct and obvious than God’s. Just trust Him. He’s your Father.

Don’t be discouraged that things are not laid out in front of you in living color. Remember,

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)