In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning 

I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

Psalm 5:3

Name a famous couple. There are many famous couples from history, legend, literature, or Hollywood: Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, Tarzan and Jane… The list goes on. 

Today I’m going to talk about a “couple” that more than likely didn’t enter your mind: prayer and expectation. Ok, so those two nouns aren’t really a “couple,” but they are coupled together in several scriptures. Prayer and expectation go together, like peas and carrots! 

When David wrote Psalm 5, his enemies were coming against him and were determined to destroy him. And so, David did what appears to be his habit—he rose in the morning and prayed. He prayed specifically, asking God for help, guidance, and protection. Because his prayer was based upon God’s promise that he would be king, David could then wait in expectation. 

Prayer and expectation are linked in other scriptures also. I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer (Psalm 17:6). Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful (Colossians 4:2). Jesus said, And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father (John 14:13).  

What was Jesus saying? Did He mean anyone could ask for anything, attach His name to the prayer, and expect God to answer? Of course not. Jesus was speaking to His devoted apostles right before His crucifixion and the coming of the Holy Spirit. They knew Jesus; therefore, they knew God. Jesus knew these men would pray as He had prayed—for that which was God’s will and for that which would glorify the Father. 

Is God’s glory the motivation behind your prayers? I remember someone asking me, “Are your prayers so close to what Jesus would pray that He would gladly sign His name to them?”   

Father, guide us. Center our prayers upon your will and honor.

Jan Burkhart