The Neutral Zone of Prayer

Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Have you ever prayed for something and it seemed like God was on vacation and allowed your prayer to linger in Heaven’s In-box too long? You felt like life gave up on you and God had forgotten about you. No matter how much you prayed, begged, or read the Bible, there seemed to be no response from God.

Not only is this a frustrating time but it is also a frightening time, because it is a time between something, knowing, and the belief that prayer has been answered. The Frustration that comes when your situation seems out of control while you await an answer or resolution to your condition can cause you to wonder if God is really even there or cares at all about what you are experiencing.

When the Apostle Paul wrote Romans 12:12, the people must have been experiencing a neutral zone moment in their lives. This group of people who were experiencing suffering and persecution, and Paul had to encourage them to remain “Faithful in Prayer.” Every once in a while we have to be reminded to continue to pray even when our prayers don’t seem to be answered or when we think God has taken a vacation during our most critical time of need.

One of Paul’s most consistent roles was to encourage the people. He had to reassure them of God’s steadfast love and protection. I hope whenever we are in our neutral zones in life, when we feel that nothing is happening, and we think God does not hear us, we remain faithful in prayer.

Often, I am reminded of how much God really cares and how many times God truly answers my prayers. Sometimes I have to slow down, live a little and look around me to see God’s answered prayers in my life and the world around me.

Remember, it may be your request, but eventually, Gods answer will always be Gods plan and will for our life. God does answer our prayers, even when it appears or feels like God is silent, when we pray, God hears and God answers.

Rev. Nigel Felder
Louisville, Kentucky