Wednesday, February 2 – Philippians 4:6

Why should I pray for something when God hasn’t answered my prayers in the past?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Have you ever been tempted to give up on something? When we are working on something, we typically want to see results, and if we don’t see results, we may deem our efforts a waste and give up. It is easy to take this approach with prayer. If we don’t see results, we give up and decide that it is pointless or at the least, it is not for us. We often forget that prayer is not a skill we achieve or a gift only some Christians receive. It is the way we stay connected to God and seek His work in our lives here on earth.

While not receiving the answer we want from God can be frustrating and, at times, even heart-wrenching, we can never forget the call we have in Scripture. God calls us to continually be in communication with Him and to lay our burdens down at His feet through prayer. God knows how we are prone to anxiety and trying to take care of things on our own. Through prayer we are reminded He is the One who can carry the load that is too much for us to bear. There is much freedom in knowing God is not keeping score or grading us on our imperfect prayers. He knows our hearts when we are truly in pursuit of Him.

If you have given up on prayer or pursuing your relationship with God, consider Hebrews 12:3, “For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Whether you have had a hard time sharing your faith, studying your Bible, or coming to God in prayer, remember the work of Christ on your behalf. We are to draw close to God in prayer, not for the sake of spiritual achievement but because of the love He has already given us.

• Have you ever felt like God wasn’t listening to your prayers? How does this verse show that there is more to prayer than just getting answers?
• What would it look like if you truly chose to come to God with your anxiety instead of carrying it on your own?
• Pray through this verse and talk to God about what you are anxious about with a heart of gratitude. Let your requests be known to Him.