One thing I despise is simple answers to questions about prayer.

There is something that rings so false to me when people act like they have prayer and God all figured out.

As if God could ever be "figured out." As if prayer is like some kind of cosmic slot machine.

This is why I love writers, thinkers, dreamers who aren't afraid of mystery.

Especially when it comes to prayer …

One of my favorite childhood authors writes this:

"What happens to all my prayers – those that are not answered,

and those that seem to make things worse than anyone ever anticipated?

Surely they are still sustaining me.

Perhaps there will be unexpected answers to them,

answers I may not even be aware of for years.

I cannot believe they are wasted or lost.

I do not know where they have gone,

but I believe God holds them,

hand outstretched to receive them like precious pearls."

(Madeline L'Engle - Cries From The Heart)