A man had a job interview in a large city. He drove downtown and was having a hard time finding a parking space. He was starting to panic that he would be late. He really needed this job, and the situation was getting tense. He said out loud, “Lord, I know I haven’t spoken to you in a while, or gone to church like I promised I would, but if you will please help me find a parking spot so I don’t miss this interview, I promise to change my ways. And this time I mean it!”

He turned the corner and there was an empty parking spot right in front of him. He immediately said, “Oh, never mind God. I found one.”

Unfortunately, we have all taken that attitude at times. We know that God invites us to come to Him with our needs and requests, and we take Him up on that offer.

“…call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”” (Psalm 50:15)

 “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.” (Psalm 130:1–2)

We are good at letting God know what we want. Yet we often fail to thank Him when He grants our requests. At other times, He does not give us the answer we are hoping for, and we assume that He just didn’t listen to us.

Prayer should not be seen as us giving God a list of demands and expecting Him to deliver them promptly. Prayer is our acknowledgement that God is the one in control, and asking Him to give us what is best for us. Prayer is also something that must come from faith. Once you know and believe that God sent Jesus to be your Savior, that He paid the penalty for your sins and gave you forgiveness and life, you lay your requests at the feet of the Father believing He will hear for Jesus’ sake.

“I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (John 16:23)

“You do not have, because you do not ask God.” (James 4:2)

Additionally, our prayers should follow the pattern Jesus established in the Garden of Gethsemane. Knowing it was time for Him to be crucified for the sins of the world, His humanity was hoping there might be another alternative.

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

Jesus also said that in the model prayer He taught us: “Thy will be done.”

Just remember this: when you ask, you need to listen for the answer God gives. Even if it is not the answer you were hoping for.