Are You With Me?

“Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 

Have you ever embarked on an adventurous journey where your companion remained silent, leaving you to do all the talking? You are tempted to say these words: Are you with me? 

Prayer is the lifeline of a believer’s relationship with God. It serves as a means of communication, communion, and connection with our heavenly Father. Through prayer, we express our gratitude, seek guidance, find solace, and intercede for others. The Bible underscores the importance of prayer in various passages, highlighting its significance in the lives of believers. 

Prayer is not just a one-way communication where we present our requests to God; it’s also an opportunity to build a deep and intimate relationship with Him. Through prayer, we learn to listen for His voice, discern His will, and align our hearts with His purposes. This ongoing dialogue with God fosters a sense of trust, intimacy, and dependence on Him. Prayer helps us develop patience and perseverance, knowing that God’s plans unfold according to His divine wisdom and purposes (James 5:16; Proverbs 3:5–6). 

Commitment to prayer deepens our faith and strengthens our walk with God. It aligns our hearts with His will and helps us discern His voice amidst the noise of the world. As we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and spend time in prayer, we become more attuned to His presence and purposes in our lives (Colossians 4:2; Psalm 119:105). 

The combination of prayer and God’s Word is essential for a vibrant and effective spiritual life. The Bible is not just a collection of stories or moral teachings; it is the living and active Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). It serves as our guide, our source of truth, and our spiritual weapon against the schemes of the enemy (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Ephesians 6:17). Incorporating God’s Word into our prayers is not only a demonstration of faith but also a powerful way to align our hearts and desires with His will. By praying Scripture, we affirm our trust in God’s promises and invite His purposes to be fulfilled in our lives. Just as Jesus used Scripture to resist temptation and combat the devil’s attacks (Matthew 4:1–11), we can use God’s Word to counteract the lies and accusations of the enemy. 

The question of why prayers may seem unanswered despite our sincere efforts is a common one that many believers wrestle with. While the reasons for apparent delays in answered prayer can vary, it’s essential to remember some foundational truths: 

1. God Wants Us to Pray: Prayer is not just a religious ritual; it’s a means of communication and communion with God. He invites us to come to Him with our concerns, desires, and needs. The act of prayer itself is significant, regardless of the immediate outcome, as it reflects our dependence on and relationship with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Matthew 6:6). 
2. God Desires to Reveal Himself to Us: Through prayer, we have the opportunity to encounter the living God and experience His presence in our lives. Sometimes, God’s apparent silence or delays in answering prayer can lead us to seek Him more earnestly, deepening our relationship with Him and strengthening our faith (Psalm 145:18; Hebrews 11:6). 
3. God Wants to Answer Our Prayers: Scripture assures us that God hears the prayers of His people and delights in answering them according to His will (1 John 5:14–15). However, His answers may not always align with our expectations or timetable. God’s perspective is infinite, and He sees the bigger picture that we may not comprehend at the moment (Isaiah 55:8–9; Romans 8:28). 

God operates according to His perfect timing, which may differ from our own, aiming for our ultimate good and His glory (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Galatians 6:9). Unconfessed sin, selfish motives, unforgiveness or a lack of faith can hinder our prayers. God desires sincerity and humility, and he sometimes using delays to refine and purify our hearts (Psalm 66:18; James 4:3). The Bible acknowledges spiritual opposition that may delay answers to prayers: Overcoming requires persistent prayer and reliance on God’s strength (Ephesians 6:12; James 5:16). 

Ultimately, while we may not always understand why God answers some prayers immediately while seemingly delaying others, we can trust in His goodness, wisdom, and sovereignty. He is always attentive to the cries of His children and faithful to fulfil His promises in His perfect way and timing. Therefore, let us persevere in prayer, trusting in God’s faithfulness and resting in the assurance that He hears and cares for us (Psalm 34:17; 1 Peter 5:7).

Kay Alli