I came home to a slightly humid house. It was hot outside, so it shouldn’t have surprised me, but it didn’t feel like the typical welcome home air. I heard the A/C running. I checked the thermostat. Maybe the A/C was simply having trouble keeping up with the heat. But a couple hours later, there was no progress.

I know my old A/C isn’t going to make it much longer. It was old when I bought the house. However, it keeps working. While I realize it might go out at the most inopportune time, I have waited to replace it. I began to think it was time.

I paused to pray. Then I realized it had been a while since I changed the thermostat batteries. It probably wouldn’t fix the issue, but I decided to try.

The new batteries indeed fixed the problem.

I later thought about my prayer.

The point of prayers is not to get a result. We certainly ask for results. And it’s okay to ask for results. But the process of praying is foundationally about our relationship. It’s an act of humility, trust, and faith. And it’s not a stopping point. It’s not like letting go of a balloon and hoping the enclosed message gets to someone. It is one piece of communication. It’s a moment in the relationship. And sometimes it requires a response.

Sometimes prayer answers come with some responsibilities.

I’m glad I changed the batteries.

I don’t think the benefit of my prayers that day were a working A/C, although I certainly appreciated it on such a hot day. The greatest benefit that day was the reminder to stay engaged. I speak with God a lot, but I can always be reminded to change the batteries. I don’t want to pray out of obligation or routine. However, there are always times the discipline of prayer will seem stale but will continue the forward momentum. I want to always be aware of the energy in my prayers. I know God’s going to bring it, but what am I going to bring? What am I willing to bring?

No matter what is working and what isn’t working in your life, reflecting on what you’re willing to pour into your prayer life is foundational. It might be time to change the batteries.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download