Although I’ve received many remarkable answers to prayer, I have to admit that I still grow weary of praying when my prayers seem to make no apparent difference. Reminding myself that when one fills a pond with rocks the first hundred truckloads of rock disappear under the surface of the water without leaving a trace helps some, but I still struggle with discouragement. Telling myself that the primary purpose of prayer is not petition but relationship, about spending time with the Lord, encourages me. Unfortunately, it is often as hard for me to sense His presence as it is for me to see His answers.

If prayer is so frustrating for me why do I continue praying? I’m sure a sense of duty has something to do with it, but it is more than that. At the core of my being I have a heart hunger for God, a yearning to know Him and be known by Him. It is an “itch” that only prayer can scratch. I may not be very good at prayer—I may even stray from it from time to time—but always I am drawn back. What breath is to my body, prayer is to my spirit. Without prayer I simply cannot survive.

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Having acknowledged how difficult prayer can be for me, I want to add that there are times when prayer is not like that at all. In fact, there are times when prayer seems as easy as breathing and just as natural. The Holy Spirit comes upon me and prayer takes on a life of its own. It has a strength that seems to virtually carry me. With absolutely no effort I spend extended time in His presence without once being conscious of the clock. When the spirit of prayer lifts, I am amazed to realize that two or three hours have passed, maybe longer. I think that is why I don’t give up on prayer—because I never know when one of those holy encounters is going to happen, and that is what keeps drawing me back.

“As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.
I thirst for God, the living God.”

 Psalm 42:1–2 niv

 (excerpt from Authentic Living: 365 Devotions for Deliberate Faith from Worthy Publishers reprinted with permission.)

About the Author:

Richard Exley has been a pastor, conference and retreat speaker, as well as a radio broadcaster. In addition he has written more than 30 books including “Authentic Living,” “The Making of a Man,” “When You Lose Someone You Love,” and “The Alabaster Cross.” He lives with Brenda Starr—his wife and childhood sweetheart—in a secluded cabin overlooking picturesque Beaver Lake.  He enjoys quiet talks with old friends, kerosene lamps, good books, a warm fire when it’s cold, and a good cup of coffee anytime.  For additional information you can contact him at:  www.RichardExleyBooks.com