“In everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God...will guard your hearts and minds.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Before I entered the store, I prayed. My son needed a coat. Coupon in hand, I walked to that department with God. There hung the coat in the perfect size and color. The price had started at $120. The tag now said $39.99. I had a discount coupon for $10. I was happy to buy the coat for $30. After the transaction, the cashier said, “Your total qualifies you for a $20 gift card.”

God lovingly answers personal prayers for His children. They assure us that He cares about the little things in our lives. No request is too small for Him to answer. We are important to Him.

Ironically, He doesn’t always answer our “big” requests right away. Why doesn’t He answer those prayers positively and quickly? Are our motives clear? Would the answer glorify God?

We can’t always know why God does what He does. But He knows every detail of our lives and He hears our prayers. He will answer in His time and way. We need to trust Him and remember that His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8).