Why should we pray? Should we pray because we have a problem and God has the answer? Should we pray because we need to let God know we need something? First and foremost, we pray because God tells us to. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to pray without ceasing. When things are going great for us--pray. When things are awful--pray. When we get the answers we desire--pray. When nothing is going right--pray. Perhaps the most amazing thing about it is that prayer is Gods idea. He loves us and desires relationship with us. Relationship requires communication and prayer is how we communicate with God.
Dont forget, however, that communication goes two-ways. What if you went an entire week with your spouse where you spoke every word, but he said nothing. No notes written down, no emails or tweets. Not even hand gestures. No communication from him to you at all for one solid week. Not because he was angry or because of any other problem, but just because that was the method of communication you had fallen into. What would your relationship be like that week? Would you know exactly what your husband was thinking and feeling? What he wanted for dinner? How his day was at work? What would your relationship be like that week?
When you spend time in prayer, remember to listen for Gods communication back to you. When you are dealing with infertility, you desperately need Gods guidance. You are asking Him to new grant life and with this new life comes an eternal soul. What could carry more significance?
So many prayer requests come into Sarahs Laughter asking for Gods guidance. What an honor to pray for and with you. Prayer is one way you will find Gods direction for your life. Jeremiah 29:11-14 says For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD. God is telling you that He will not be hidden from you when you come to Him in prayer and seek Him with your whole heart. He does not promise that He will reveal His entire plan to you all at one time, or even that He will reveal things to you within your time frame. But He does say when you seek Him with your whole heart, He will allow Himself to be found by you.
Christine Y. shares with us a time when she sought God's guidance over which doctor she should contact regarding her medical treatment for infertility:
My husband and I have been hoping to conceive since December 2010. After 6-months of no conception, I grew concerned and went to an OB/GYN for basic blood work. This first doctor and I did not click well - she was recommending ovulatory drugs, something that I did not feel comfortable with at the time because by all my tracking calculations, I was ovulating regularly. Her recommendations did not seem to match my situation. So as my annual exam approached in December 2011 (also the one-year mark of us trying to conceive), I began searching for a new doctor, but was very unsure about who to see. I asked several friends who they recommended and seemed to get a different answer each time, making me feel even more confused and uncertain. I scheduled an appointment with a particular doctor, but kept wondering if I should switch my appointment to a different doctor at the same practice named Amy who was also recommended to me.
One night as I was agonizing over this seemingly small decision (that felt big to me at the time), I was crying out to the Lord to help me. I realized as I was praying that it was silly for me to worry and fret about what doctor to see, and instead prayed for a clear sign if I should switch my appointment to see Dr. Amy instead. The clear sign I prayed for was to see or hear the name Amy the next day.
Lo and behold, God has a lovely sense of humor. As my husband and I were driving to church the next morning, we were behind a car for several miles that had a "Vote for Amy" bumper sticker. The funny thing was that I did not remember my prayer in that moment - it wasn't until I was talking to a friend after church that it hit me, and I just felt so much awe and wonder that God had so faithfully and specifically answered that prayer. (And my friend wondered why I suddenly had zoned out.) So the next day, I called and switched my appointment to Dr. Amy. My appointment with Dr. Amy was wonderful and we get along very well. I know God does not always answer our prayers that specifically, but I'm thankful for the moments when He does.
I'm currently still walking this journey of waiting and hoping for children. It has been 2 1/2 years full of lessons learned, relationships we would otherwise not have, and opportunities realized that would not have been. I would not change anything about how our journey has gone so far. We have been praying for wisdom and guidance about what the Lord's plan is for our lives, but are presently receiving only silence. But in that silence, we strive to be thankful for all the blessings He has given us: five furry kids, a home, time alone together, more financial freedom, and improved physical health through our decision to adopt a plant-based diet after watching Forks Over Knives. Whether we grow our family biologically or through adoption, we are open and ready for the Lord's will, just waiting for His guidance. I think the hardest thing for me currently is getting impatient and anxious (in an excited way) about what God's plan is for our lives. I firmly believe Romans 8:28 - His plan will be good because He is good. I want His plan. I just really, really want to KNOW what His plan is. Like, really. Really!!
Prayers for patience much appreciated.
God can even show you how He wants you to pray. Perhaps He wants you to spend time with Him offering your most heartfelt praise. He may lead you to be vulnerable in His presence, laying your soul bare before Him.
When you face questions in your journey through infertility, pray about what God wants you to do. Does He want you to seek medical treatment or trust Him for conception? Does He want you to check into adoption or wait a little longer? Let Him guide you in how He desires you to pray. Dont rely on others alone to pray for you. Youll miss the wonderful treasure of a relationship with the God who loves you more than you could ever comprehend and who has an amazing plan for your life. (Also--notice the verse says YOU will call upon me and I will listen to YOU. I will be found by YOU. God wants to hear from YOU!) Hell reveal His plan to you as you need to know. How will you know His plan for you unless you communicate with Him?
God loves you. He desires communication with you and with give you His guidance when you seek Him with your whole heart. Pray without ceasing about infertility and every other area of your life.
-Beth Forbus