Is Hoping Something Will Happen The Same as Praying That it Will?

Q: Often I’ll find myself sincerely wishing that God would do something about a problem I’m having, but is that the same as praying about it? Is hoping something will happen the same as praying that it will? — K.L.

A: No, simply wishing things will change, or hoping that God will do something about a difficult situation we’re facing, isn’t the same as praying about it. Hoping our problems will get better is only an inner emotion; prayer is actually talking to God about them.

True prayer requires at least three things. First, it requires our helplessness. If we think we can solve all our problems on our own, then we’ll conclude we don’t really need God — and we won’t bother to pray. But when we understand just how helpless we are, we’ll realize we need God — and we’ll turn to Him in prayer. The Bible says, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 124:8).

Then true prayer also requires speech — that is, actually talking with God. Sometimes this may be difficult; our inner hurts may be so painful that we can barely put them into words. But God knows our hearts, and He hears every prayer we sincerely make, no matter how stumbling our words. The Bible says, “The Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God” (Romans 8:27).

Finally, true prayer involves trust — trust that God loves us and knows what is best for us, and trust also that He hears us and will answer us when we pray. And we know we can trust Him, because Jesus Christ died and rose again, and even now He is in Heaven interceding for us. Turn your wishes and hopes into true prayers — prayers of faith and trust.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.