[packer04]

I have prayed to God quite a bit lately. But it seems my prayers don't get answered or is it I don't know. I was divorced 3 years ago and have been alone ever since and I really don't like being alone.(married for 26 years) Well I have met quite a few jerks, but 4 months ago met a great guy, but he is only interested in friendship now (as he was dumped 6 months ago) but he wants a relationship again. I have prayed and prayed for a special man to come into my life someone to love and care for. So it seems that we are perfect for one another, even he says so. He also has prayed to God to send him someone to love. So I don't understand why we were put together and he is not ready for me or for us. I pray that God heals him. But I don't get why God would put someone into my life if he's not ready for me. All I ask for is someone to love. I would give anything for that and give up everything I have for love. Am I doing something wrong in praying or am I making God upset with me? I would like to know if praying really does work and if so how o I know? I have met this wonderful man and so want to care for him. And would God want me to be patient and wait for him? I just would like God to maybe show me the way or guide me in some way. I pray everyday and night and I wait. I don't know what more to do. Please help with some suggestion.

[adam7gur]

May I ask , why were you divorced? Maybe this is the key why prayers aren't being answeared!

[Clough]

Hi, packer04!

Some information is missing here that would help people here to help you the best!

For instance, before he got dumped, how long had he been in that relationship, please?

Also, I do like the answer by adam7gur above, and I think that it's a very good question that needs to be answered. Although, I'm not sure that the reason that you got divorced would be the key to why you think that your prayers haven't been answered.

Please do provide some additional details concerning the situation.

God may have put someone in your life and you in his in order to plant the seed. Some seeds need a great deal of time to germinate.

Please be patient and not be in any sort of rush! Water the relationship with love, understanding, communication, patience and provide the proper nutrients to help the relationship to grow.

Relationships that last don't go from step one to step twelve in a short period. To ascend the stairs, it takes practice, an understanding of what already has been gained by accomplishing what's needed for the relationship to grow on preceding steps and preparation for the steps that lie ahead.

One step at a time...

Thanks!

[sndbay]

packer04 Does prayer work and how do I know?

Perhaps God wants your heart of love to grow closer to Him first, in God I mean. From what you have said in the first line of the post quote: I have prayed to God quite a bit lately. Only God knowns where and what is in your heart of love. But your thought leads me to think you haven't always prayed to God often. And the second line quote: But it seems my prayers don't get answered or is it I don't know. The idea that you might question God should always be elimated from your heart and mind. God is present in Spirit, and will answer. It's a promise God made to His children that call upon Him.

Be patience in your path of love, giving first to God all that is His Will. Remembering that this is not just about you, but also about this great guy that you have just met.

Giving the heart and mind in trust to God without doubt. He knows what is best, and holds the better idea. Know that God is with you, and you are not alone. Thank God for all that you do hold that was send by Him. Think first what is God's Will, or better then that, be comforted in the idea that His Will is done on earth as in heaven. Turn the question into telling God thank you, and being assured of His love for all concerned.

[Fr_Chuck]

Prayer is not a shopping list, when you pray are you thanking God for all the things you do have. Have you been working hard at serving him.

Also God does answer, and sometimes the answer is no, or not right now, we do not get everything we ask for, in the way we want it.

You ask for someone new, he finds ways for you to be happy on your own and serve him better.

When the Hewbrew nation was slaves, God waited generations to send someone, I am sure the person who was praying for freedom before Moses was born did not understand why it took so long.

Or why as they prayed it took 40 years in the desert to find their home.

[packer04]

Why was I divorced? Well after 26 years my husband didn't want to be married anymore. We had sold our home, moved to another state and after 4 weeks he was gone with all our possesions and money. And had been with another woman for 5 years. ( he was an alcoholic,abuser and very seldom worked but I loved him dearly and never would have left him) Maybe that was a blessing for me. I never got an answer and was hurt for a time, but was never angry as anger does one no good. So for the past 2-3 years I have moved on and started over. So what would the divorce have to do with my prayers not being answered if I may ask.

[packer04]

Also to how long the man I am seeing as a friend was in his relationship. He had been married for 19 years, both wanted the divorce, that was 2 years ago. And the lady that left him 6 months ago he was with for 9 months. He is still in love with her I see, and I wish I could do for him. But as I told him I am always here and I very much care for him very, very much. Feelings to no end for him. I just feel God put us together for each other. I just want to care and be able to love this man with all my heart and soul. Is that so wrong to pray for?

[packer04]

And yes I pray every day and night. I pray for my family friends and everyone and I thank God everyday for everything, no matter if bad or good. I also pray everyday that this great guy I met, his heart is healed from his pain. And its not that I question God, I have faith in God and that I will get ananswer. Sometimes I think its me. I know we don't get everything we pray for, but I sure don't want anything but care and love in my life. I just feel I have so much love to give and I want that chance again in my life.

[jakester]

Hey packer04 -

Just fyi, you can respond to all previous posts in one post, this way your stream of thought is easier to follow... it's just a little difficult reading your responses in three separate places.

Your situation and questions are very complex, definitely not answerable in one post I don't think... but probably more after a lot of thought and contemplation on your part.

First off, to your question, "does prayer work?" I can't help but want to prod a little bit at this question because I think there's something fundamentally wrong with it. Let's say that I was at a casino observing someone winning at the slots. I notice that the person takes out a small locket right before she pulls the slot machine lever and kisses it. And then, whammo, she pulls the slot lever and in a few moments, money comes pouring out. I might look at my friend and ask, "hey, does kissing the locket work?" I think that as absurd as this scenario sounds, this is essentially what you are asking. I just wanted to point that out.

Moving on. It is my understanding as a student of the bible, that prayer is an opportunity for a person to demonstrate that he or she really has faith. Let me explain. In the book of Hebrews, the author says that "he who comes to God must believe that He is; and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." What all of us are experiencing in life is this test that God is bringing us through to determine one thing: when this stuff of life all passes away, where will I stand in the end. Everyone of us faces into the reality of life and we are being forced to choose something: what is it that I really want in this life. Do I want the promises of God or do I want what this world has to offer? As time moves on, we begin to move towards one or the other. God is determining the circumstances of our lives to bring this fundamental question into the forefront of our minds. At certain points, as I said, we either move closer to one or the other.

Essentially, packer04, this situation is perhaps one in which you are being sorted out by God to determine what it is that you are most concerned for in this life. If God does not give you what you want, will you shake your fist at Him and turn away? If He gives you what you want, will you get so lost in the gift that you fail to see that God is good but that the gift itself of marriage is not really the most important thing in this life but that eternal life and forgiveness of God are?

Just something to consider. I know these issues are the kinds of things that I have wrestled with but have helped deepen my understanding and appreciation of God.

[cogs]

These are really good responses. I like the parts that deal with being thankful for what you have already; and the part about seeking god's will. I would say to thank god first, but then be still. Listen to god. Go through your day, and attempt to find out what god wants. This is apart from your desire.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

[adam7gur]

Dear packer04!
Thank you for answearing my personal question , I know how difficult this can be sometimes.Since your ex went with another woman , then you are trully free to find another husband.That covers you in front of God.On the other hand the situation of your friend is not clear before God.He has to level with God because both wanting a divorce does not justify getting it . The Lord said that the only reason to justify a divorce is if one is unfaithfull to the other.
But even if everything is made by the book , you two being together is something that you both have to want and yes you want it but what about your friend?
Let's just forgett about God for a while and see this thing as simple people. As much as you care for someone , would you really want to be with him if he has not made his mind 100%?
If he is going back and forth , then he is not ready for you , he is like a green orange! You think that this orange will be a juicy fruit one day but that is not the only possibility.That fruit may never be right and you will never have the joy to taste it right.It will be sour instead of sweet.If I were you I would ask God to clear out the situation regardless of my feelings.I would say to Him that being with that person is my will, but let your will be done!
Thank you for time and attention!
May God bless you!