The layers of prayer: (I know there are countless other layers, but this
consecutively develops with the belief that there is a core.)

“Lord I give You everything I am…” (Said as if to barter)

“Lord I love You…” (As if to convince Him of your authenticity)

“Lord I want…” (As if He doesn’t already know)

“Please…” (Begging begins)

“I am sorry… (An attempt to make yourself worthy)

“I declare…” (Pretending you must not have done it right the last time)

“Your Word says…” (Begin debating)

“Where are You…?” (Emotions begin to take over)

“Are You deaf…?” (Begin accusations)

“I’ve done everything I know to do…” (Frustration, anger, and doubt in His covenant begin)

“Did I miss it/lose it…?” (Blame game)

“How long…?” (Begin to surrender)

“Prepare me for whatever You are doing…” (The end, usually said in bitter
frustration with a tinge of hope that there’s an end in sight)

No, I don’t pretend to understand what He’s up to, and no this is not the path of everyone. I believe He is good, and that it is not my faith that makes Him so. He is alive.

If He answers your prayers exactly as you have prayed them, amen. For the rest of us, after you’ve done everything, keep praying. I believe He wants to bring us in beyond the formulas and recipes. Perhaps He wants to show you something, or is preparing something- this, the “tinge of hope”.