Elizabeth Wood

My Friends,

A man was invited to interview for a job at a prestigious company. On the day of the interview, he got up early, dressed smartly and set out in good time. The traffic was light, and he reached the office in good time. But the parking lot was full, and there was no space on the street. He circled the block, but there was no movement. He expanded his search, but still couldn’t find a spot.

He began to panic. Time was running out. So, he started to pray. “God, if you just help me, I will live a better life. If you just give me a spot, I will go to church regularly.”

He continued to circle the block. “God, my interview is in a few minutes. If you help me, I will give up my vices and dedicate time to my family.” Still nothing. He was desperate. “God, I am pleading. If I get this job, I will donate all the additional money I make to the poor and needy.”

Suddenly a car pulled out right in front of the building. He breathed a huge sigh of relief and said, “Never mind, God, I found one myself!”

Stories like this are funny because somewhere within them there is a kernel of truth. And this one made me think about answered prayers.

It’s easy for me to think of things to ask God for. If you told me right now to list my current “asks,” I would have no problem: healing for a friend who is sick, comfort for a neighbor who is grieving, a new job for a family member, protection for a nephew deployed overseas.

With some more time, the list easily expands—the needs of our community, our church, our nation. It can get loftier—the needs of people in other countries, an end to wars, peace in the world.

It is harder for me to acknowledge when prayers have been answered and to give thanks. Perhaps because my prayers weren’t answered how I thought they would (or should!) be. Or I seem to have already moved on to a new set of “asks.” And sometimes I fall into the trap of thinking that something I did solved the problem.

When the parking spot opens up, it’s easy to take the credit.

Join me, today, in gratitude for answered prayers.

—Elizabeth