The NIV 365 Day Devotional
Prayer: Doing Your Part
Prayer isn’t simply a time to ask God for things. You’ll notice that God doesn’t say, “Ask, and it’s yours.” He will answer prayer—but in his time, not ours. He also makes it clear that prayer is communication. He wants to share with us as we share with him.
Prayer isn’t something we should engage in thoughtlessly. We aren’t supposed to treat God as a wish-granter and then sit around and wait for him to do what we ask. We have responsibilities in the process too. This passage makes it clear that God responds to humility, real remorse and a genuine commitment to turn away from the sin that trips us up. Do you have that kind of remorse and commitment? Read the passage again and think what the words “humble,” “pray” and “turn” mean in your life.
Taken from Rooted: The NIV Bible for Men.