I have a couple of prayers that I have prayed for many years, even decades. One in particular, about the healing of a loved one, comes to mind every time I pray. This prayer remains unanswered.

I was thinking about that today. I have written that request in a list of prayers on my phone. But whenever I come to that prayer, I feel like just skipping over it. God hasn’t answered it in 40 years. Why would He listen and act now?

Today however God reminded me of another prayer that I had been praying for even longer. This prayer was for a kind of healing of another loved one. This one — one that I’ve been praying since I was a young girl — was answered just last year.

The reason I had to be reminded of that fact was because God didn’t answer that prayer the way I expected. It happened in the midst of many other events and changes. Also, because I’d been praying about it for so many years, I no longer expected or looked for a change. So when it happened, I didn’t recognize it as an answer to my prayer. But it clearly was. The problem I was praying about is gone, miraculously wiped away.

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” (Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭14‬, ‭NLT‬‬)

God’s timing is perfect. He is not my magic genie who takes my wishes as His command. He listens and comforts but works according to His wise and loving plan.

Should I stop praying for things that don’t get answered when I want them to? Absolutely not. If they are good things, I should actively wait by praying constantly. Like waiting for a seed to sprout by watering it. When I stay close to God, read His word, listen for His voice, and pray, He rewards me with His presence, comfort, and courage. And maybe, when the time is right, an answer to my prayer.

Dear God, thank you so much for answering my decades-old prayer! And thank you for reminding me that you did so. I recognize that your ways are not my ways. Your ways are better, your timing is perfect. Thank you for always hearing my prayers with love. Teach me to trust that you are listening and working with perfect wisdom.