by Shirlee Vandegrift

Recently I wrote an article about the “Real Work.” I admonished the readers to remember the Real Work; PRAYER. In the last several months I was having a tough time praying. In fact I even wondered how important it was.

This is an awful state to be in, especially for a person who volunteers to pray for their church, their pastors, their many hard working servants, the sick and dying, the not sick and the not dying yet and everyone else.

If I was feeling inadequate perhaps there were others who felt the same. Are you another one by any chance?

My solution to the problem may sound trite and too simple. I say, “Pray!” Don’t pray expecting an answer to your plea. We know God has an answer but it may not be close to what you have been asking for. You may even miss the answer if you focus more on your desires than on His.

I had an issue with one of my children and for about 3 years the silence between us was deafening. Hurts, a lot. I knelt at Jesus’ feet many, many times. He surely didn’t seem to be listening. So, I quit. I told Him I was quitting. I told Him I trusted Him. I told Him I was done asking and was going to be satisfied to wait and listen. I told Him I would wait until we were face to face for my answer, if necessary.

Guess what. When I quit asking for my answer, He gave me His. When I do the Real Work as I understand it, God does His. Isn’t it the best?

Comfort yourself in that thought and thank Him often, through prayer.