Fast prayers, slow prayers
Praying with confident faith
There was a time in my life when it felt like God answered most of my prayers quickly, on the spot — a “fast prayer” season, if you will. I’d be walking down the street, ask the Lord to show me where to go, take the turn, and bump into someone I hadn’t seen in years. I’d ask for peace in making a decision, and it would arrive promptly. And don’t even get me started on my streak with St. Thérèse novenas — I was absolutely showered with roses on the ninth day every single time!
But the last few years have been different. God has continued to bless me beautifully and work in my life in so many good ways, but the instant answers seem to have slowed down. I’ve prayed five or six St. Thérèse novenas in the past couple of years with nary a rose to show for it (which is fine, totally fine, all good). I’ve prayed for healing for friends, for open doors, for clarity at work — and while many of those prayers were answered, it’s been much more slow and quiet.
Then, this past Sunday, I had a fast prayer moment again. I was sitting in Mass and suddenly felt moved to pray for healing in a situation that’s been weighing on me for almost a year. I told God, “This is a mess, and I just want you to take care of it, please!” Ten minutes later, I walked out of church and had a conversation that brought unexpected peace. While the desire for healing had been long awaited, the quick response to my direct, bold prayer was impressive.
The thing about getting used to fast prayers is that it’s easy to take them for granted. In the season of speedy responses, I think I started to feel a little entitled to immediate responses from God. But since His responses have shifted / slowed a tad, I stopped expecting the answers to come so quickly. Somewhere along the way, I got a little hesitant to pray for specific things — maybe because I didn’t want to be disappointed. I realized I’d been praying novenas with a touch of distance, not wanting to have my expectations or hopes dashed. In a twist of irony, maybe that’s why I didn’t get the roses (or maybe St. Thérèse is saving up a whole bouquet for when I need it most!)
Either way, I’ve lost some of the boldness I used to have in prayer. My prayers have gotten vaguer — things like “God, show me what to do” instead of “God, please bring healing in this specific place” or “make this path clear.” And while those open-ended prayers are good and humble, they don’t leave as much space for fast prayers to be answered.
I don’t think every prayer will be answered right away, but I want to pray again like I believe it could be. Because God can change hearts! He can bring clarity! He can surprise us with peace or joy right when we least expect it!
This week, I encourage all of us to pray as though the answer to our prayers will come as soon as we offer them up. To pray with the kind of faith that is small as a mustard seed, if you will. The kind that might just move a mountain — or maybe, if I’m lucky, send a rose ;)
In Christ,
Jane
Happy Rosary Day!
October is the month of the Rosary AND Pope Leo has asked us to pray the Rosary daily for peace. On Saturday, I hosted a “rosary brunch” and invited friends over to make our own rosaries and then pray together. They turned out SO beautifully, and now this is my new favorite hobby. I bought the beads on Amazon here and the miraculous medals/crucifixes also on Amazon, here.
The Fall in DC <3
The very best time in DC is the fall, and I spent some good time this weekend running/walking around the city to celebrate and enjoy it.
Rebecca
This is a great spooky classic, and I’m trying to read more “seasonal literature” — this book is captivating!! I’m listening on audible and reading the physical book, going back and forth depending on where I am and what I’m doing. Read it with me!
Prayer intentions
For my sweet friend Bryn who just celebrated her birthday AND who is getting ready for a big, exciting move
For our work retreat this weekend
For a special intention
I love my fast prayers. They are exhilarating! In retrospect, I think all my prayers are answered “fast”, but my ability to hear or see the answer is “slow”. :)