One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles… 
Luke 6:12-13

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Sometimes, it takes a whole night or many nights of prayer to be able to make a wise decision and take the best course of action. I have learned through trust, trial, and a lot of error that the best prayer is conversational rather than perfunctory, an obligation, or just a quick check-in. I have also learned of the critical importance of waiting for God to reply or act.

Years ago, I moved to Corvallis, Oregon to finish college. It was a great adventure! Arriving a couple of weeks early, I went exploring by driving to Crater Lake, then over to the coast and back up on Highway 101. It was awesome, except that by the time I was near Brookings, I knew I didn’t have enough gasoline to get back to Corvallis and I was out of cash—this was before I had credit cards or a cell phone and there was no Internet. I was expecting a check in the mail in Corvallis—200+ miles and a mountain range away. The intensity and frequency of my prayers increased with each mile that I drove north, reminding Him that on earth, people need gas money. I stopped near Yachats for two days to camp and pray.

At one point, I considered siphoning gasoline from someone’s car. I was impatient with God and couldn’t think of another way to get back to Corvallis. I wasn’t sure if He would answer me. But I stopped when the thought that I shouldn’t have to steal for Him to answer my prayers popped into my head. Nervous but hopeful, I resumed driving north.

Running on empty, I stopped in Waldport at the only gas station in town. I got there 15 minutes before it closed and immediately offered to sell a Buck sheath knife for $10 in gas money. The attendant said no, but a county sheriff picking up a car said yes. Just that very day, he was paid $10 for some overtime work and had always wanted the Buck knife I had. It was amazing!

Had I not waited in prayer for God, I would have missed His blessings!

Next Steps

Many situations and prayers need time for God to respond. Talking with Him regularly helps create the trust to wait. Is there something in your life that you feel you are waiting on God for? Don’t give up. Keep praying and watch for His response.