But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.  Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. James 1:6-7 

Desperate, agonizing prayer.  Ever prayed like that?

Unfortunately, I’m guilty of praying a lot of safe prayers.  These are prayers that I’m pretty sure God will answer—possibly because I know that the natural odds are that the thing I’m praying for will come about, rather than because I believe God will intervene.  For example: Prayers for a safe trip almost always get answered the way I want–I’ve arrived places safely many, many times.

When we talk about a desired future outcome, we might call it “Plan A.” If Plan A fails, then we have a backup we call “Plan B.” Have you ever desperately prayed about something for which there was absolutely, positively no Plan B?

Elaine prayed like there was no Plan B when she had to tell her young adult son to leave her home when she found drugs in his room.  She had no idea where he was for weeks.  But every day, beginning with that first awful day, she threw herself down at the side of her bed and prayed, “God, you have to intervene.  Only Your power saves and redeems!”

Elaine could pray “No Plan B” prayers” because she knew passages of God’s Word that expresses His heart, like 2 Peter 3:9 that says He is “not willing that any should perish but that everyone should come to repentance.” She knew His Word.  She knew His will.  And she knew only He could make a way. In time, God answered and restored Elaine’s son.

Is there a situation in your life right now that calls for No Plan B prayers? Begin praying them today, soak yourself in God’s Word and don’t stop!