How to Remember Answered Prayers
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.”
—Psalm 103:2
It’s Easy To Forget When God Shows Up Or Answers Your Prayers
In the last two months, I've started writing down when the Lord sends me “manna from Heaven.”
I'm in a season where I have to rely on Him big time…wait, isn't that every season??
Anyhoo, I've been asking for Him to cover me, provide for my family, show me He's with me and that He loves me.
And He has! A bunch!
But…
I've already forgotten many of the things He's done.
Like when the mechanic took it upon himself to fix my windshield wiper fluid thingy that had been broken and would cost over $300 to repair.
I didn't even mention it to him. I just sat there getting an oil change and Bernie started fussing with it, trying little parts and pieces he had in the garage until it was all better.
Good heavens! Manna!
And…
When my girl Madeleine ("line," not “lyn") asked me to come to school extra early for a special donut breakfast.
It was a super sweet idea and something she really wanted me to do. But geez, it was gonna be very difficult for me to get there, with her 3-year-old brother (who wasn't technically invited) and add this event to the many things I was already juggling that week.
I told her I'd do it, knowing it mattered to her even though it would be a stressor for me and would add to some physical pressures I'm working to heal from (ahem… chronic pain and fatigue).
And I swear… I'm not kidding— The afternoon before the event, I was given a pack of free donuts.
Whaaat???? Donuts just placed into my hands??
I didn't ask for it, I didn't expect it, they just showed up.
So, instead of busting it to get the three of us to her school at 6:50 that morning, we happily ate donuts at home and Mada picked a little morning show for us to watch together.
She was happy— didn't miss her school donuts at all. In fact, she was thrilled we had a home-donut-party and she got to watch TV in the morning before school.
My gosh, what specific manna!
What kindness from the Lord.
Taking care of my little girl's heart and me and my overloaded nervous system all in one shocking swoop.
(That's soooo God!)
We Tend To Forget That God Is Constantly Answering Our Prayers
These are two of twenty examples that I've written down in the last two months.
And I would've forgotten all about how the Lord took care of me and was just so frickin' KIND to me— had I not written them down in my journal.
(*Lesson Alert- Here comes your takeaway--→)
The Lord shows up for us. He speaks to us. He provides and encourages. He answers prayers. And we're so happy and thankful when He does.
Until… we forget.
And don't be hard on yourself here. If you're a forgetter, it's okay!
We all are.
Life is busy and noisy and our culture is pretty “next thing” focused.
Let's forgo any guilt or mopey“I'm so unappreciative” feelings about it.
Instead, let yourself be human and know it's tough to remember things. And start to write it down instead.
Grab a notebook, journal, or start a Google doc and title it
“Manna From Heaven,” or “Answered Prayers," or “Love Me Some God,” whatever…
Create a place to document how faithful and sweet the Lord is to you.
A Few Tips To Remember God’s Answered Prayers And Kindness
Give it a title and bookmark/dog ear it so you can easily find it
Make it clear enough and add enough detail that you'll be able to remember what He did and why it was needed (Remember…you'll forget! So, do yourself a solid and write in a way that jogs your memory)
Keep it all together in one spot so you can read about lots of examples all in one sitting. This is wonderful for building trust in God. (I keep mine on two journal pages— when I run out of room, I start a new list on two other pages somewhere else in my journal).
Share your manna stories. It's great for your relationship with Him— He gets appreciated and you acknowledge His trustworthiness. That strengthens your bond.
God is actively looking for ways to show up for you, to love you, and to provide for you.
That’s His thing.
And yeah, it’s natural to be thankful when He answers prayers then drift on to what’s next. But if you passively let yourself forget all of the goodness and dependability He shows you, you’ll miss a chance to be grateful for Him and learn to rely on Him.
So, start a practice of documenting His trustworthiness.
He’s on your side, walking with you. Writing it down helps you see that clearly.
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