If I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing...(1 Cor. 13:2b)

  1. We should pray boldly knowing that the worth of our prayer will not be denied us. We cannot pray a prayer too big for God. He may not answer our prayer in word but he will answer it in worth. Do not let the uncertainty of God answering our prayer exactly as we pray it be a hindrance to deep and hearty prayer. God is not a department store. He will not give us an answer at equal or lesser value. Instead he will give us the worth of our prayer at equal or greater value.

2. Learn from God's answered prayers his will for our growth in grace. If we have a prayer that is apparently going unanswered, we need to examine our life to discern other ways that God is graciously growing us more in Christ.

3. See the gospel in this. The gospel is, at its root, renewing sinful backward people to want the things that God wants, first and foremost God himself. This equal or greater theology of prayer flows from God's gospel love for his people. He is only content to give his people that which contributes most to his glory and their good.

4. Realize that suffering, illness, and death may be the best thing. This is no easy lesson to learn. The Lord's plan for us or for our loved ones may not always include comfort, health, or old age, despite that which we pray. Let us learn as a people to see in the life of Christ an example for our life on earth: sacrificial love displayed in humble suffering leading to a crown and glory that cannot be tarnished or taken away. Let us see in Christ a savior who loves us and bears our burdens because he cares for us.