A Little Secret In Prayer

Do you ever get frustrated when you pray? You pray really hard about something, but instead of getting peace, you get frustrated?
The Bible says that consistent, earnest prayer brings results. But I find when I am really earnestly praying for something, I get frustrated because I expect an answer, but I don't see it. 
A few years ago, I was in hospital for about 10 weeks with my sick baby. Towards the end I desperately wanted to go home. So I started to earnestly pray for it. But then there would be little setbacks and I would get really disappointed and frustrated. I thought, shouldn't praying give me peace? Instead it's making me upset! So I asked God how I should pray in this situation. Later I read a verse which gave me a really clear answer. 


Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer. Romans 12:12


Rejoicing in hope–There was hope that we would go home from the hospital soon. I could rejoice in the hope.
Patient in tribulation— I needed to be patient in the little set backs and discouragements.
Continuing instant in prayer— I needed to keep praying.


I have found this verse a help many times. 
If there is still hope that your prayer will be answered, be happy that there is hope. Don't despair! Be patient when you can't see the answer and when discouragements come. And keep on praying until you get an answer. God may not answer your prayers the way you want. But He will answer in His time and give you what is best.