By KEN Stanbary

prayed about what to write and was given all kinds of signs, before I finally said,“ Okay God, I get it.” Prayer is often misunderstood. It is more than a simple request or a last-ditch effort; it is the vital connection between the Divine and the earthly. As we navigate our lives, we often find ourselves searching for a way to connect with a reality beyond our own. This search leads us to prayer, the very bridge between the Heavenly and earthly realms.

Prayer is a dialogue, not a monologue. It is a communication that requires more than just words; it requires a heart and mind in the right mindset. A foundational element of this mindset is love— not just for those who are easy to love, but even for our enemies. While it is natural to feel anger, we are called to express it without sin. This inner disposition of love prepares us for a true and open conversation with God.

One of the most common misconceptions about prayer is that it

goes unanswered. This belief often stems from a lack of understanding of how God responds to us. In truth, God always answers prayers, though not always in the way we expect. The answer may be“ yes,”“ no,” or“ wait.” The“ wait” can be the most challenging to accept, as patience is difficult for us. For some, the wait can span decades, yet persistence in prayer can have its own rewards.

The misconception of unanswered prayer is often linked to the issue of persistence. We cannot expect a single prayer to suffice for every need; prayer is meant to be a constant practice, not a one-and-done event. Those who pray once and then“ call it quits” may not fully grasp the nature of an ongoing relationship with God. The concept of“ constant prayer” suggests a continuous and open channel of communication with God.

For those who feel intimidated or unsure of how to pray, the solution is simple:“ Keep It Super

Simple”( KISS). We are encouraged to approach prayer not with the complex language of an adult, but with the simple, open heart of a child. This is because we are speaking to our Father, who delights in hearing from us, no matter how simple our words may be. This kind of simple, heartfelt conversation is what bridges the gap and connects us to God.

Ultimately, prayer is an act of faith and persistence. It is the persistent belief in a God who listens and a connection that is always available. The rewards of persistent prayer are not always immediate, but they are always present. My own experience with a 20-year wait to see my children again is a testament to the power of persistence. It is a journey of unwavering faith that ultimately leads to a deeper relationship and a profound understanding of God’ s timing and will. CMA

Ken Stanbary is a member of Circuit Riders of Northern Kentucky chapter # 659 in Florence, Kentucky.

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