22 PRAY CONFIDENTLY.

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

     —1 John 5:14

Confidence in prayer rests not in what or how I pray but in whom I pray. Some believe prayer is a formula that manipulates God into acting because they have said all the right things in the right way. Formula prayer is magic not communion with the living God. Confident prayer know with certainty that:

God always listens. We can’t miss God in prayer. He’s always there. Jesus promises to be with us always (Mt. 28). God promises never to leave or forsake us (Heb. 12). Therefore we cannot miss our omnipresent and loving God. He’s never on voicemail or vacation. He’s always ready for dialogue. “Come now, and let us reason together” (Isa. 1:18).

God always answers. That answer comes according to His providence and sovereignty. God’s timing will put us into a process that fulfills His will for His glory. Are you willing to accept His answer?

God,

Open my ears to Your answers; raise my faith to me Your provision; open my heart to Your direction. Amen.