We rarely see immediate answers to our prayers. Some answers we never see. And some prayers are never answered - thankfully - "because ye ask amiss, that ye many consume it upon your lusts" (James 4:3).
Prayer is therefore not for the half-hearted, nor is it for those who must see in order to believe and persevere in seeking the heart and hand of God. Consistent prayerfulness rather characterizes those who increasingly discover the faithfulness of One who "cannot lie," and who will ultimately fulfill every promise He ever makes (Titus 1:2). We pray to the degree our hearts are convinced of this perfect trustworthiness. Conversely, prayerlessness can always be traced back to a deficit in our knowledge and apprehension of "the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations" (Deuteronomy 7:9).
"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Consistent reading, consideration, and application of the Scriptures confirms within our hearts confidence in our Lord's truth and truthfulness. Prayer inevitably results from such Light shining within us. It matters not whether we see obvious answers with our senses because our primary attention is devoted to the Heart that along ago promised to the faithful, "Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not" (Jeremiah 33:3). Our focus is on the great and mighty God who promised the "great and mighty things." Whether they manifest quickly, slowly, or even if the answers will not be seen until we get to Heaven, the issue of prayer revolves not around the things, but the Heart. It is full to the brim of Truth, and no one has ever trusted in the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and been disappointed for doing so. And no one ever will. Upon this basis we pray, rejoicing when we see God's answers, and joining the prophet of old when no outward evidence seems to be forthcoming...
"Moses endured, as seeing Him who is invisible."
(Hebrews 11:27)
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