I cannot count the number of times over the years that I have prayed words something like this: “God, I know You hear my prayers. I know You can do all things — that nothing is too big or small for You. God, I also know You can (answer a specific prayer need), but I don’t know if You will.”

The reason I’ve prayed this prayer is that God does not always give me the things I ask for — not even Godly things like restoring people to Christ who have wandered away or giving me opportunities for ministering to others in ways I desire to.

I have to be honest: this has often been very confusing to me.

A few months ago, one of my daughters said something that changed my prayers. She said, “I don’t ask God for what I need. I tell Him what I need because to me, asking implies I’m not sure He can or will. But telling God what I need tells both me and God that I have faith that the answers will come.”

Who says children can’t teach their parents?

My daughter’s simple statement about faith taught me to pray to believe God will. This I know with all my heart: God will supply all my needs.