Some folks get confused about prayer. Some think when we praise God for answering prayer that we mean we got what we asked for. But for those of us who have experienced answered prayers, we know that often God gives us something better. Often through prayer we are changed so that by the time God speaks to our request we are grateful that God had a better idea than we had. God never allows our prayers to cause our own injury, and by extension, the injury of another of His children.
Prayer reminds us that our own situation and our loved ones' situations are not ours to command, but rather we acknowledge that God has us and those we love in His tender and able care. Our hearts are calmed to the extent we grow in trust in and love of God.
This allows us to speak to God in prayer with utter candor and honesty about our emotions, fears and longings, because we can trust God to answer according to our highest good at all times and in all places. God knows what is needed and God tends us through the challenges of life, not by giving us what we demand, but by helping us long for what we need at the deepest levels.
Therefore, I can affirm with confidence and hope: GOD ANSWERS MY PRAYERS.
Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, trust that you are receiving it, and it will be yours. Mark 11: 24