[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during May 2026]
So their entreaty ascended fervently to heaven.
3 Maccabees 5:9 [NRSVA]
It is perhaps unusual for us to quote from the books of the Apocrypha but those words give us an appropriate context for our thoughts this week.
There are two basic approaches to praying about our needs. In the first instance the argument is as follows: God is not deaf nor is he forgetful; I will mention my request once and then leave it in his hands for his response in due course. The words of Jesus as recorded by Luke tend to support this approach.
And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
Luke 12 v29-30 [ESVUK]
The second scenario is best summed up in the letter written by James, one of the brothers of Jesus identified in Mark 3:
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 5 v16 [NKJV]
How do we define ‘fervent prayer’? Jesus himself criticised those whose prayers were largely vain repetitions[1] but how can we avoid them? One thesaurus suggests synonyms for fervent such as ardent, earnest, heart-felt and sincere, as well as eager and enthusiastic. Can we honestly describe our prayers in such terms?
The apostle Paul gave us some further advice:
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5 v16-18 [ESVUK]
There are three potential types of response that might result from our prayers. These three types of response can be likened to the three phases of a set of traffic lights; green, amber and red.
Red is a clear instruction to stop, the answer is ‘No!’ Perhaps sooner or later we may find out why what we prayed for was not in accordance with God’s will, or perhaps the reason will never become clear. Either way, we can still thank God for a negative answer because this, in itself, is an assurance of God’s guidance and care.
The prophet Jeremiah records an occasion when God said no. The embattled remnant of Judah wanted to flee to Egypt to escape the Babylonian army:
The Lord has said to you, O remnant of Judah, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’ Know for a certainty that I have warned you this day.
Jeremiah 42 v19 [ESVUK]
Green is not an unconditional permission to ‘go ahead’ without further consideration – a green signal indicates that we can proceed with caution, having regard to those around us.[2] We recall that Gideon, even through he had been given a clear instruction, still asked for, and received, clarification.
Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece.
Judges 6 v39 [ESVUK]
Between these two phases there is a period of amber: stop and wait. This represents what is arguably the least satisfactory form of answer to prayer: what are we waiting for? What circumstances need to change? Can we rephrase our prayer in order to get a better answer?
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
Psalm 37 v7 [ESVUK]
In a recent sermon David spoke about the distinction between prayers that seem to be unanswered and those which seem to be unheard. He posed the question: “How can we expect answers if we do not pray?”[3]
If we pray sincerely then we can be sure that God not only hears our prayers but he answers them too. We may or may not like the answer but, more importantly, are we willing to accept that our loving heavenly father knows what is best?
References:
[1] Matthew 6:7 [NKJV]
[2] Extract from UK Highway Code
[3] David Makanjuola, HBC, 10/May/2026
Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.
Bible dates:
Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.
Horley Baptist Church onlineHBC main site
Confidential prayer link
Link to Recent Reflections
Link to Index of Bible Passages
Last week’s reflection: Life on the Ocean Wave
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys