VERSE:
In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
— Psalm 5:3

THOUGHT:
For some reason, our culture has convinced some of us into thinking that God is like a microwave prayer machine. You pop in a request, and then 30 seconds later… “DING” you have what you asked for. When the answer doesn’t come instantaneously, many people get discouraged and their faith is shaken; and consequently they lose the answer to their prayer too. Some people think “wait in expectation” means “sit and do nothing else”. We have lost the understanding of the concept of prayer. The Apostle Paul struggled in prayer Rom. 15:30. Epaphras wrestled in prayer (Col. 4:12). The Master, Jesus Himself, offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears (Heb. 5:7)! Yet we nonchalantly ask God for something and leave it at that.

APPLICATION:
Start your day with prayer…. real prayer. When you lay your requests before God, wait in expectation, and don’t lose faith. Sometimes you may have to pray to be able to stand in expectation, but always remember that God is faithful to His promises.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, forgive me for at times having such a light view of prayer. When I lay my requests before you in the morning, I will wait in expectation. Strengthen my Spirit to be able to stand in faith, in Jesus’ Name I pray, AMEN!