When Prayer Doesn't Seem to Work

I've heard it before. I've said it before. "If something is bothering offer it up to God." "Give God all of your trials." "Trust in Him." All of these are true and valuable statements. If something is bothering you then you should take it to God and trust in Him. Here is the thing. You have to be patient. You have to have trust. You have to have faith. He WILL answer your prayers.

Unfortunately, just not as quickly as you might hope. For instance, let's say something is bothering you. It could be big. It could be small. You think to yourself, "Self, something is bothering me. What should we do? We should take it to God and give Him all of our troubles because that's what I read on Roman Catholic Cop's blog." So, you go pray. Maybe you do it right there or maybe you actually go to church. You kneel down and you say, "God, I've got this problem. I'm trusting you with it. It's in your court now. I'm not going to worry about it anymore. Oh yeah---Amen." And you get up to leave and . . . .

Crud! My feeling of anxiety and woe are still with me! I don't feel any better! You turn around, kneel back down and try it again. "Umm, God, it's me again--maybe you didn't hear me the first time. I have this problem--I'm giving them to you. Please take my problems from me now."

Patience young Jedi. Yes, it would be nice if suddenly all your cares and worries were gone and you could go back out into the world all care-free. But, you are probably going to need repeated prayers. Perhaps, this is a way God is helping you to grow closer to him. It may not make you suddenly feel better and I realize it's not a magic pill that's going to make you feel better. I realize that afterwards things may still stink. You must press on. Continue praying. Let out a big sigh, and pray some more.