Broken-Record Prayers

Recently, I've been challenged to put my “broken-record” prayers aside and replace them with something else.

Malinda Haley is a pastor’s wife, the mother of three grown children, a maternal/infant care nurse, and—above all—His humble servant. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, Steve, who is president of the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference.

RECENTLY, I’VE BEEN CHALLENGED to put my “broken-record” prayers aside and replace them with something else. Honestly, even though I’m tired of voicing the same old thing—as if God had not heard my past pleadings—I’m used to the song, familiar with the sound, and comfortable with asking the same thing again and again. Some of these prayers I’ve uttered year after year from my weary heart, and I’ve wondered whether the sound of my voice rises farther than my ceiling! I recently expressed this frustration to a friend.


My friend had just read that morning from the book Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence, by Sarah Young. Sarah hears Jesus talk to her (in her heart) and writes those thoughts in this book.

 


When you bring Me prayer requests, lay out your concerns before Me. Speak to Me candidly; pour out your heart. Then thank Me for the answers that I have set into motion long before you can discern results. When your requests come to mind again, continue to thank Me for the answers that are on the way. If you keep on stating your concerns to Me, you will live in a state of tension. When you thank Me for how I am answering your prayers, your mind-set becomes much more positive. Thankful prayers keep your focus on My Presence and My promises.1


This thought is confirmed again and again in Scripture:
• “Our God says, ‘Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me’ ” (Psalm 46:10, CEV).2
• “Never give up praying. And when you pray, keep alert and be thankful” (Colossians 4:2, CEV).
• “Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer” (Romans 12:12, CEB).


I like what Mrs. White shares:


Take the word of Christ as your assurance. Has He not invited you to come unto Him? Never allow yourself to talk in a hopeless, discouraged way. If you do you will lose much. By looking at appearances and complaining when difficulties and pressure come, you give evidence of a sickly, enfeebled faith. Talk and act as if your faith was invincible. The Lord is rich in resources; He owns the world. Look heavenward in faith. Look to Him who has light and power and efficiency.3


I’ve been trying to exchange my “broken-record” prayers for my new hope-filled praises! I’ve been thanking Jesus for His attention to my heartfelt concerns, despite my not seeing any evidence of change. This change in focus also impacts my attitude of trust in a Savior who is more concerned over my repetitive prayers than I would have ever imagined. Won’t you join me in this step of faith?

 

1 Sarah Young, Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence (Nashville, Tenn.: HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., 2004), p. 12.
2 Scripture quotations credited to CEB are from the Common English Bible, copyright 2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
3 Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 146.

Malinda Haley is a pastor’s wife, the mother of three grown children, a maternal/infant care nurse, and—above all—His humble servant. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, Steve, who is president of the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference.