Jesus Always Answers

What is the reason you pray? Not so much your adoration for God, but for yourself. As a superhero, I pray for the super things in life: I pray for my Louis Lane, that my secret identity never be revealed, and that my faith can make a difference in others' lives. How horrible would it be if Jesus decided not to give me any of them!
Money Grows on Trees!
I've read up on theories about God and why he gives us a "not yet" or a "something else." The answers where all along the lines of us not knowing what God has planned. Despite that, we find ourselves a little more frustrated and a little less faithful. Here is the thing though. God is not Santa Clause. If praying was "ask and you shall receive" then I'd be the richest man on Earth (assuming no one else asks to be rich).

However, no matter how much an amputee may pray, he will never get his leg back. A loved one will not come back to life. Nor will money fall from trees.

Why is that? Jesus certainly wants good things for us. What isn't realized is prayer isn't meant to change everything around you; it is meant to change YOU.

John 4:13-14
Jesus answered "Every person that drinks this water will be thirsty again. But the person that drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. That water I give will become like a spring of water flowing inside that person. That water will bring that person to life forever."

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman

Jesus has already provided the most important part to praying; the holy spirit dwelling within us. When praying, we are inviting the holy spirit to be the guide, our "daily bread."

I think that this gift is really under appreciated. Our perception of God is boxed in to fit only our needs and the whole purpose of prayer becomes defeated. The box of his infinite power is covered by our hearts and he fades into our minds as a tool, only to be called upon when needed.

Would You Like Fries With That?
I see the same thing during Mass. Some people are so caught up in receiving the Eucharist that they forget to appreciate it. Church then becomes a place for take-out- soul food for those on the go- and they never sit down to enjoy the meal.

In that sense, prayer is very much like a meal for our souls. Open your mind and heart to Christ and uncover the box. The holy spirit isn't to be taken to-go.  It is a full-course meal with appetizers and dessert!

Don't expect prayers to be answered without first realizing how much has already been given to you. God leads you to water, but in the end you have to decide to drink it.