Only a Prayer Away

Parts of Unanswered Prayers by

Garth Brooks

Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs

That just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers

...I guess the Lord knows what he's doin' after all ... And then and there I thanked the good Lord
For the gifts in my life

Some of God's greatest gifts are all too often unanswered...
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers

There have been many times that I struggle with God saying no or not answering my prayers. One of the darkest times in my life was after my Pa died. I had prayed continuously for him to get better and I fully believed God would heal him. The morning we got the call that Pa had died, my first thoughts were shock. I thought it was some kind of sick joke because I had never prayed for anything as hard as I did for his life. I still do not know why his life was taken in such a fast unexpected way, but I have definitely grown from this experience and minister to people going through similar experiences. Another prayer I prayed had to deal with my dad loosing his job. I was soooo mad that I prayed and wished harm on all of the people responsible for kicking him to the curb after working consecutively 22 years. God has taken away that pain, hurt and pure anger even though the men responsible for firing my dad are still "in control." Really God was/is/will be in control. He truly knows what He's doing.. even if I can't the reason why. So many good things have come from this painful experience, including me and my dad growing closer.

Here is a verse that I would like to point out that talks about the power of prayer. I love to read this verse when I don't think there is such a thing as the

POWER OF PRAYER.

James 5:13-15

Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven—healed inside and out.

"On and On" by Chasen

Awake tonight
I’m breathing the air of the night sky
Listening and wanting
An answer to questions You’re wondering
I never thought it ever would be possible
To cross the lines we drew
That govern what we say and do
But no height and no depth could separate us

Chorus:
Some say we need a miracle
Some say there’s no hope at all
But I know that Your love is strong, it goes on and on
and on and on
Rise up when it gets us down
It’ll be the voice in a blaring crowd
Because we know Your love will lead us home
It goes on and on and on and on…

I tried my way
It always ends up being a mistake
But You’re right when You say
That You set the time for the plans You make
I never thought that I could ever learn to let it go
Somehow its better when I follow in the paths You show
So I’m here I’m waiting
Cause I believe

Chorus

There is no fear of belief
There’s just this cold reality
That wants to take me away from You
There is no doubt in my mind
That in Your perfect time
Your plans and Your ways will unfold.

Chorus

Your love is, Your love is