Pray without ceasing

Sounds dramatic, doesn't it? Who can possibly pray without ceasing in a literal sense?

Well, a sister once shared that praying without ceasing actually means that we have to consciously maintain a bond with our God at all times whether it be listening to Him, talking to Him, shedding tears with Him, having communion with Him, reading and meditating on His word or just sitting in His presence. This in essence means that we should have a relationship with God. And I have to agree with her on this.

She also further stated that God will answer our prayers if we are earnest in presenting our requests to Him and in accordance to His will. I have to add that I believe that God ALWAYS answers our prayers. Often times, I've heard people grouching that God has not answered their prayers but I believe that this is because God's answer may not have been the one they expected/sought, so they did not realise that He has answered.

I have only one child and many a person has asked me when I will have another child. It's a funny question - why? Well, having a child isn't something that I can control. I can put in a lot of effort by eating the right stuff, or tracking my ovulation calendar and ensuring that I'm living a healthy life. But, at the end of the day, only God can give me another child, and even then, it will only be done if it is His will for me.

Yes, it grieves me that I've not been successful. At last count, I personally know seven other women who are pregnant at this time and I have to acknowledge that the longer it takes for me to get pregnant, the harder it becomes. But what grieves me more are:

1) my child grieves too because she's so lonely and longs for someone to play with and to share her experiences; and

2) the fact that most people have commented that I've not prayed hard enough or put in enough effort, hence God has not answered.

Well, let me just say this - I have prayed daily and I've prayed hard but I do believe that God has heard my cries and HAS answered me. For now, I've accepted that His answer may be No or Wait (not too sure which one it is exactly but I do know He has answered)...and the only things that I can continue doing are to pray for His will to be done, that I will be able to overcome my disappointment and grief (and that my child can do the same too) should He continue to reply in the negative and that I can take comfort in the reminder that God ALWAYS works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Praise be to His great and awesome name!