God answers EVERY prayer

After praying for years that his cancer would be healed, and then praying that his "homecoming" would be soon and peaceful, a dear brother, Mike Casey did go home last night while his Pepperdine family dealt with the fire. Although I couldn't call Mike a dear friend, he was a strong influence. His writings -- articles and books -- constantly caused me to rethink much about my beliefs and practices. I will miss him.

This morning's InternetMonk blog was about God answering prayer. Michael's words as well as those who posted comments would lead a reader (who didn't know Michael) to think that he suffered from the common malady of considering only "yes" as the only answer to prayer.

Of course, scripture tells us of at least four answers from God: YES (you know of some); LATER (Elizabeth/Zacharias seeking a child [Lk 1]; Paul seeking relief [2Cor 5]); MORE (what a surprise! [Eph 3:20,21]); and most often, NO (many -- Jesus in the garden seeking relief, Paul's thorn, David seeking life for his son).

Here are a couple of poems that thank God for saying, "NO":

THANK YOU FOR SAYING "NO"
Ruth Harms Calkin

Lord, day after day I've thanked You
For saying "yes."
But when have I genuinely thanked You
For saying "no"?

Yet I shudder to think
Of the possible smears
The cumulative blots on my life
Had You not been sufficiently wise
To say an unalterable "no."

So thank You for saying “no"
When my want-list for things
Far exceeded my longing for You.
When I asked for a stone
Foolishly certain I asked for bread.
Thank You for saying “no"
To my petulant "Just this time, Lord?"

Thank You for saying "no"
To senseless excuses
Selfish motives
Dangerous diversions.

Thank You for saying "no"
When the temptation that enticed me
Would have bound me beyond escape.

Thank You for saying "no"
When I asked You to leave me alone.

Above all
Thank You for saying "no"
When in anguish I asked
"If I give all else .
May I keep this? "

Lord, my awe increases
When I see the wisdom
Of Your divine "no."

*******

God said “NO”
Nimesh Bakshi

I asked God to take away my pain.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away,
but for you to give it up.

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said. No.
I give you blessings.
Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life so that
you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me LOVE others,
as much as he loves me.
God said...Ahhhh,
finally you have the idea.

*****************