Praying in Expectation

It’s funny how, once your kids move out, you start missing things you never thought you would—like the constant, sometimes exhausting questions.

Now, maybe what I really miss is just having them in the same house, those everyday, face-to-face conversations. But those questions were always part of that life:

• “Mom, what’s for dinner?”

• “Mom, can I go here?”

• “Mom, I can’t find my (fill in the blank)—can you help me?”

• “Mom, can you help me with my homework?”

• “Mom, what are we doing this weekend?”

• “Mom, why are frogs slimy?”

• “Mom, why can’t I stay up as late as you?”

I could keep going—and I bet you could, too. But that’s life with kids. They ask, and we answer. It’s expected. And we, as moms, expect our kids to expect an answer from us.

We don’t withhold responses, ignore them because they annoyed us, or stay silent and turn our back to them when they’ve done something wrong. We respond because we love them. Our answers aren’t based on their perfection—they're based on our relationship.

---

What Does That Say About Our Prayers?

Now think about this in light of your relationship with God.

I’ll be honest—sometimes I find myself praying as if I’m tossing my requests into the air, hoping maybe, just maybe, God will catch one and answer it. That mindset reflects my limitations, not His.

God calls Himself Father. And if you’re saved, you are His child.

So why would I ever assume that my good Father wouldn’t respond when I call?

When I compare it to how I love and respond to my own children, it seems absurd to think God wouldn’t do even more. I’m His daughter. He loved me enough to send Jesus to die in my place. He paid the price I could never pay—just so I could belong to Him.

That does not sound like a Father who ignores my prayers.

---

When the Answer Is “No” or “Wait”

As a mom, some of my answers to my kids' questions have been “No” or “Wait.”

When my son turned four, we celebrated his birthday at Disney World. It was magical! Naturally, the next year he asked if he could take some friends to Disney for his birthday again.

My answer? A kind but clear “No.” Not because I didn’t want him to have fun. Not because I was punishing him. But because, at that time, it just wasn’t what was best for our family.

We’ve all had moments like that—telling our kids “no” or “not now” because we see a bigger picture.

It’s no different with God. Actually, it’s better, because He sees everything perfectly.

---

He Sees What We Can’t

I remember when my daughter didn’t stop to look both ways before crossing the street. That day, she had to come back home and couldn’t play. Not because I didn’t want her to enjoy her friends—but because I’d seen cars fly down that road, and I knew how dangerous it could be. She didn’t understand at the time, but I was protecting her.

How often do we do the same with God?

We pray, and when the answer isn’t what we hoped for, we assume He’s distant or disinterested. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

He sees a bigger picture.

He sees what’s coming around the corner.

He knows what’s best for you even when you don’t.

---

Pray Boldly—With Expectation

So pray—pray boldly. Pray with expectation. Not like you’re tossing words into the wind, but like a daughter talking to her loving, wise, ever-present Father.

And remember: sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes wait, and sometimes it’s a loving no—but He always answers in a way that reflects His goodness, His character, and His love for you.

He is a God who listens, who sees, who responds—not always how we want, but always in a way that brings about His best for us and His glory through us.

---

Scriptures to Meditate On

📖 "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." —Jeremiah 33:3

📖 "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" —Matthew 7:11

📖 "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." —Psalm 145:18

📖 "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." —1 John 5:14

📖 "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him." —Psalm 37:7a

📖 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." —Proverbs 3:5-6

📖 "For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." —Psalm 100:5

---

A Prayer for the Woman Who Is Saved

Father God,

Thank You for the woman reading these words right now. You know her heart, her story, and the prayers she’s whispered—maybe through tears or in moments of quiet desperation. Remind her today that You are not distant or disinterested. You are her good and faithful Father who hears every word and holds every tear.Strengthen her faith to pray with expectation—not because she deserves it, but because You are trustworthy.Help her rest in the truth that even when Your answer is “no” or “wait,” it’s still a reflection of Your love and wisdom. Teach her to trust Your timing and to hold onto Your character even when she can’t see the full picture.

Fill her heart with peace, and let her sense Your nearness today. Thank You for calling her Your daughter.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

---

A Call to Salvation + A Prayer for the Unsaved Woman

If you’ve read this and something is stirring in your heart—maybe a longing to know this God who hears, who loves, and who answers—know this: it’s not an accident that you’re here.

God sees you. He loves you. And He wants you to know Him.

You don’t have to clean yourself up or figure it all out before coming to Him. Jesus already did the work. He lived a perfect life, died on the cross for your sins, and rose again—so that you could be free, forgiven, and forever loved.

All you have to do is say yes to Him.

Here’s a simple prayer to guide you if you’re ready:

Lord, I know that I need You. I’ve tried to do life my way, but I believe that You sent Jesus to die for my sins so I could be forgiven and set free. I receive Your grace, Your love, and Your salvation today. Come into my heart, make me new, and help me follow You from this day forward. I want to be Your daughter. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If you prayed that today—welcome to the family of God.

I’d love to hear from you and help you take your next step in faith.