"You remember how you were taught to write. Your mother put a pencil in your hand, took your hand in hers, and began to move it. Since you did not know at all what she meant to do, you left your hand completely free in hers. This is like the power of God in our lives." (Metropolitan Anthony Bloom)
There are times in our lives (each of us) when we find ourselves confused, or lost, or sorrowful, or in despair, or any of a thousand other human conditions that would not exist if we didn't live in a fallen world and amongst our own sins.
When we are in such states, too often we turn to prayer is a manner that is not consistent with our Lord's teaching. Perhaps we fall short of issuing demands to God (the ever-poignant "Give me patience and give it to me now!"), but we nonetheless pray with a singular focus that is self-centered. Our words in some fashion lead us to a place of first-personness in our prayer. "I need (this)." "Lord, grant that I may receive (that)." "Father, help ME by providing (something)."
The I/ME/MY portions of prayers are not totally what's at fault here. It's true that The Lord's Prayer gives us direction to consider the first-person plural ("Give US this day our daily bread..." , or "forgive US OUR trespasses as WE forgive THOSE..."). Rather, it's the lack of focus on, "Lord, teach me to do Your will," and "Open my heart to receive and accept the path You would have me take."
When our prayers are offered, we need to know that they are always heard and always answered. God's answers are not always aligned with our pleas, but He DOES answer. In turn, WE need to listen and to find His answers in what results from our prayer.
For all who offer your prayers hoping for answers consistent with your pleas, do not stop! Redouble your efforts to pray. Continue to ask for what you, in your heart guided by the Holy Spirit, believe to be in your best interests (SPIRITUALLY, that is). And then, live as though you know (not just believe) that your prayer is being answered.
Metropolitan Anthony again teaches, "A prayer makes sense only if it is lived."
Icon of the Last Judgment from an Orthodox Monastery in Kosovo
