We have been training our three year- old son to sleep in his own bed. Over time, he has gotten used to snuggling in our bed, so we decided it was time to make a change.

This is no easy task.

There are nights he cries and sneaks back into our room. Out of sheer fatigue, I pull him into bed and he’s asleep in no time.

But, this doesn’t help with the training.

So, we decided that no matter how tired we are, we will put him back in his bed so that he knows that his bed is where he sleeps. We even prayed about this during our family prayer.

The other day, we had our first victory! He slept in his bed the entire night. For another family, it may be a small feat, but for us, it was a huge deal. We celebrated our “big boy” with big cheers.

Okay, so it’s a simple example of answered prayer, but it’s real for us.

In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus tells us the simple prayer of the tax collector. He was explaining this particular parable to those who looked down on others.

While the Pharisee had a longer prayer that criticized others, Luke 18:13 says “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

How simple, yet poignant, his words. There is a sense of humility and earnestness in his prayer.

It doesn’t matter the words you use… it is the belief that God will answer your prayer in due time.

Our leadership team at work recently had a meeting. A few people were randomly asked their values. My heart was warmed when I heard my supervisor boldly say her values included serving others and serving God. I don’t work for a religious organization, so to hear her courageous answer was refreshing.

I later emailed her to let her know my appreciation. She responded by telling me that as a leader, she prays for those working for and with her. I was surprised and amazed. My boss prays for me.

How does an organization succeed?
With prayer

How does a parent raise a godly child?
With prayer

How does a family thrive?
With prayer

Prayer opens up the doors to heaven. We are praying to a living God who loves you and hears you. Your prayer doesn’t just dissipate into the air. Your words are powerful.

So, be simple…be humble. Believe and wait.

Your answer is coming.

-Betsy