Jesus tells us how to pray in Matthew 6. One of the lessons, in Matthew 6:7-8, he says, “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

Many of us have something we have been praying for over and over for a long time, possibly years. As Jesus says, God knows what we need before we even ask, so rather than just asking over and over, why not pray for the wisdom and understanding to know why God has yet to answer our prayer. Maybe he is trying to teach us something; patience, trust, or maybe He is encouraging us to take a step of faith toward what we are praying.

I believe God hears and answers every one of our prayers in the way that is best for us based on his plan, though often we cannot see how.

Dear Lord, You know what we need and what we desire. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayers. Help us have the wisdom to learn the message you are giving us while we wait for your answers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.