Do you pray? You’re probably thinking ‘how foolish to begin a story with such a question, surely everyone prays’! If everyone prayed with purpose and passion, a phenomenal revival would sweep our world with Holy Ghost happenings and happy hearts in unison with our Creator.

Prayer changes people. Some shy away from praying in public, while others enjoy pronouncing prayers in front of multitudes. We have heard prepared prayers read and prayers from the heart flow like fresh mountain streams bringing water to the weary. Praying is powerful and personal. Judging how, why, when, and where people pray is risky business with our Father. Rather than assuming others are not praying properly, we should focus on our own prayer life. When we pray with pure hearts that beat with love and hungry appetites, requesting food from our Father, good things happen. God answers the cry of the hungry.

Perhaps a better question for this story would be, “Are you hungry for God‘s will and way in your life as you pray’? Matthew 7 9-11 reminds God’s children just how much He loves us. Our heavenly Father created us and desires to share a personal relationship with each of His children. Just as we love and long to see our children living happy, blessed lives, so does God. He tells us to ask, seek, and knock and it shall be given to us. He reminds us of His deep love and desire to give us good gifts. He asks that in everything, do to others what we would have them do to us. Therefore, we see the goodness and grace of a loving Father who created each of us. He never leaves us, communicating morning, noon, or night. Prayer is a powerful means of staying connected. Jesus will always be on the line ready and waiting to listen and answer our prayers. If a busy signal or beep keeps us distanced from His calling, we should check our call log. How many times has HE called when we ignored His message or were too busy to answer?

A loving heavenly Father answers prayers and gives to His children because He loves us. The simplicity of such unconditional love baffles those whose hearts are hard and prayers are few. He reminds us to come to Him as little children do, with innocent hearts and great expectations. To get answers to prayer, we must keep on asking. Little children certainly understand the power of persistence, even to the point of pestering. Sometimes, that’s just what it takes to get results.

The children at The Learning Station are powerful prayer warriors. They practice praying every day at the place where I’ve loved caring for children for over two decades. God heard mine and Tim’s prayers in 1990 when we thought there was no way we could purchase the building next to his insurance office. Yet, we kept praying and believing. God put people in our path to help and answered our prayers in ways we could never have dreamed of asking for. That’s the sweet dessert when we press forward and pray faithfully through dry deserts. God answers and puts in motion what seems impossible.

God had plans even before the papers were signed and we struggled with what we were to do with the building. We thought other options would be more lucrative, but the nagging at my heartstrings to care for kids wouldn’t go away. Our motto, ‘keeping kids on the right track’ was in my heart long before our prayers were answered. I kept waiting and believing, and God answered in the right season. He was waiting on me. There were steps of faith I had to take and choices I had to make in order for my prayers to be answered. God rewards faithfulness with gracious gifts. I am so blessed to open my gift every day. When I turn the key and welcome little children to The Learning Station each morning, I am reminded that God answers prayers. My happiness grows with age and the plans He continues to unfold in my life.

God also had plans for the little white building next door where Tim sold insurance for over three decades. We worked side by side, with thankful hearts and happy days, while raising our children and building our businesses. When Tim was called to heaven, decisions of what to do with his office building wouldn’t wait for my broken heart to heal. Praying brought peace. God heard my prayers and hungry cries for help, and He answered.

Tim’s Gift Inc. was in God’s plan when that structure took shape at 108 Northeast Blvd. long before Tim and I were even born. Today, that building is a ministry where people can find help and hope. Giving back to our community and beyond is another gift from God. We look forward to growing and giving according to His purpose. Our efforts to minister to people in need are to glorify God as He gives help and hope through us.

The prayers and support from people and businesses in our communities who give of their time, talent, and finances enable us to move forward in faith and keep helping people here at home. Our quest for Hope Partners to give monthly and prayers for TIM’s Gift to be a beacon in our community are persistent. We look forward to seeing God’s plans unfold as we step in faith…and Pray!