Finding Contentment Through Prayer

Have you ever struggled with finding contentment through prayer. I know I have. In fact, I’ve found that there are two words that can make it extremely difficult for me to be content if I dwell on them. If only. Maybe you’re like me and you can’t help but wonder about how things could be different. If only God would do this. If only God would do that. If only this situation worked out my way or didn’t exist at all. Dwelling on these two words can make it a struggle to find contentment through prayer.

A Biblical Example of Contentment

One of my favorite examples of finding contentment through prayer comes from the story of Hannah. In a previous blog, I discuss this story in more detail so I’ll get to the point here. Hannah was barren and wanted to have a child. She brought her prayer request to God then committed to faithfully living her life. The Bible says that God later answered her prayer. 

A Lesson in Contentment through Prayer

Hannah’s story reminds us that contentment ultimately comes from trusting God. When we bring our struggles to God and truly leave them with Him in prayer, we can find a sense of peace, joy, and contentment even if we don’t receive the answer we desire. 

Psalm 145:17 says, “The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.” Here’s the question we have to ask ourselves—do we believe Him? As we pray this week, we’ll ask God to help us to find contentment in Him through prayer. 

Prayer of the Week: Asking God to Help Us Find Contentment

Dear God, please help me to find contentment through prayer. Help me to bring my concerns to you and leave them with you. Father, I want to be like Hannah who trusted you even when she didn’t get an immediate response to her prayer. Show me how to walk with you and wait patiently. Help me to trust you even if I don’t understand your answers to my prayers.

Father, I know you have good plans for me even when I don’t understand them. Show me how I can stand firm in faith and trust you with even my deepest fears and desires. Help me to submit my life completely to you so that I can find your joy, peace, and contentment. 

Lord, I thank you for your love and faithfulness. The happiness of this world is fleeting but what you have given me is eternal. Help me to remember your love and faithfulness in moments of doubt. Empower me to let go of any desires that are harmful to your plans for my life.  Father, I willingly submit my goals and desires to you, and I thank you for how you will answer this prayer. In Jesus name, amen!