God Answers Prayers

Most of my life, I have prayed every day. I was taught that to 'pray without ceasing' as we are told in the New Testament to do is to pray every day, at least once. The only days I have not prayed were when I was sick and unconscious and I wonder if I didn't do it in my altered state since I was so used to doing so. :) I try not to pray for trivial things for myself but sometimes I do feel like the 'fiddler on the roof,' who sang 'Wish I Were a Rich Man.' As he said, would it be against some mighty plan to let me have wealth? :) I have never prayed for wealth. I do pray for health sometimes. He did say we could bring our cares to Him in prayer along with our worship of Him and intercessory prayer for others, etc.

For many years, I have prayed for a better relationship with my daughter, Jayne. She was not any trouble to raise, made good grades, never got into any kind of trouble and her reputation was spotless. But, she didn't like me much and I never could figure out why not. I tried and think I was a good mother, not perfect but not bad. I just didn't know. So, year in and year out, I prayed. In the meantime, I tried my best not to bother her or her husband and I never interfered in how she raised her kids or any other way that I can recall.

Recently, she moved to Michigan which left me alone in Davenport as my older grandsons are in college in Iowa City, Iowa, all but one who is with her. My sweet Kevin. Here he is, praying with his guitar. :) Jayne and her husband are not believers but she allowed me to church the boys as they grew up. When I was still able to go to church, I took the boys with me, and the older ones were baptized in my church when they were younger. Kevin has been attending a private Catholic school, and he likes it.




Back to prayer... since they moved to Michigan, Jayne has called me often. She is coming to Davenport as are the older boys for two days next week to celebrate Thanksgiving for me. This is a big change. Her husband has never sat down in my home, ever, before, much less eat a meal with me. She is going to cater the bigger portion of it, supply the larger table we will need for three adults and four children.

Lately, she has told me that she appreciated all that I did for her and how difficult it must have been at times, when her father was gone or when I was sick or had to travel for work.

At first, I almost didn't believe it could be true. I waited for her to call back and say, 'not going to happen, it was a joke.' See, I was so used to praying for it not really believing and no wonder my prayer was not answered for so long. When we pray, we must have faith, believing He will do what is best for us. In the long wait, I didn't always have faith and really never believed, after so many years, that it would happen. I think she will be here next week and I believe what she said to me was sincere. God has answered my prayer.

I wonder now how many other prayers I have prayed without having a strong enough faith. I have asked the Lord to forgive me for my sinfulness and I will try to be faithful and grateful when I pray. I still pray every day though and most of the prayers are not for me so I believe He heard those prayers and answered them sooner.

One of the preachers in my youth said one time that God shakes us out like corn being husked to get our attention. :) Well, He shook me for years. lol I will be so happy if she comes and all goes well. I believe she will. Something or Someone has changed her heart.

I hope you and yours have a great Thanksgiving with those you love. And, as always,