Expectations of Prayer

We cannot overstate it enough that the God of the universe hears our cries, listens to our pleas, and cares about our desires.

Prayer is talking directly to the God of the universe who is always listening.

But...

What do we expect of our prayers?

Is prayer one of many ways we attempt to solve a problem?

Is prayer a psychological tool to make us feel better and listened to, as if God is a cosmic therapist?

Is prayer actually effective in changing the mind of the all-knowing and all-powerful One?

What do you expect from your prayers?

The Bible is very clear that prayer is effective.

Listen to these verses:

James 5:16b — "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Matthew 7:7-8 — "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

Psalm 145:18 — "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth."

James 1:5 — "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

1 Peter 3:12 — "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer."

The Bible shows a very different picture of prayer than most of us live with.

What if you prayed expectantly?

What if you prayed specifically?

Quick story: A few weeks back, I began praying very specifically for a certain person in my life. I told God exactly what I wanted and honestly believed He wanted. I asked with timelines, expectations, and clarity.

I will be honest, it is a bit scary praying this way because what happens if He does not provide? That is something to wrestle with another day.

This time, however, as I prayed for a specific thing on a specific timeline for a specific person, God answered every single one of those specific requests. I sat in awe for days over how good, present, and real God was.

What do you expect when you pray? I bet you need to raise your expectations.