Psalm 120:1 
“I took my troubles to the LORD; 
I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.” (NLT)

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What is the last problem you had that you took to God in prayer?

What is the last prayer God clearly answered for you?

I keep a simple notebook at my desk in my home office. It contains the big prayer requests in my life. It is less focused on daily prayer and more focused on those things requiring time and resources well beyond my control or influence. It focuses on what only God can do. 

The record of God’s Greater Yes in so many different areas over the last few years is a precious treasure. God hears and answers our prayers of faithful dependence and loving trust. 

David, Before He Was King, had a really bad day. Some of his closest associates were ready to kill him. You can read all about it in 1 Samuel 30. Give close attention to the end of verse 6. 

But David found strength in the LORD his God.

How did God strengthen him? We don’t have to wonder about this for very long. David wrote dozens of songs about what God did for him. In the deepest, darkest difficulties of his life, God was there to protect him and defend him, to guide him and provide for him. Psalm 23 is a good summary of how David found strength in God. 

We, too, can look back with gratitude for all God has done in our lives. We can look up in faith, knowing God is the same God who created the world, made dry crossings through seas and rivers, and made it possible for us to come into a deep and abiding relationship with him through the work of Jesus in the cross and resurrection. 

Now is a good time to get to our daily prayers. It is also a good time to write down big prayers only God can answer and fulfill. It is time to remember who he is and what he does on behalf of those he loves with perfect and unending love. 

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I will prayerfully record my big prayers and God’s bigger, better answers.

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Our Father, looking at the big prayers in my notebook and how you answered so many so well, I can’t help but smile with delight and express my gratitude. These answered prayers give me greater confidence in the big matters written down but as yet unanswered. You are worth the wait. Thank you for what you are going to do. Amen.