I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve prayed the same prayer.

 

Dear God,

If it’s your will, please let circumstances change.

If it’s not your will, help me to find peace and acceptance.

 

I have whispered it as I’ve begun my day.

It has come out in sobs during the night.

I’ve prayed it on repeat through the day.

 

The words vary, but the request is always the same.

Again, and again.

Your will, Lord.

Help me to know it and to want it.

 

On the days when this prayer has come out seemingly with every breath,

I wonder if God ever thinks, 

“Enough, child. I heard you the first time.”

 

Maybe.

 

Or maybe He listens just as intently the one hundredth time as He did the first.

What prayer has been on your heart lately?

If you wonder if you’ve exhausted your request,

take a minute to read these verses.

•  

“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.

Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.”

-Psalm 116:1-2

 

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.”

-Philippians 4:6

 

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

-Romans 12:12

•  

Notice that His word doesn’t say we are only allowed one prayer.

It doesn’t tell us to get a grip or to leave God alone already.

 

The words I see are actually quite the opposite.

And they are powerful.

We are called to bring our requests to Him…

As long as we live.

Continually.

In every situation.

Faithfully.

 

We are called to pray without ceasing.

God may change our circumstances.

Or He may change our hearts.

 

Either way, let’s take our requests to Him.

 

Even if we’ve lost count.