What To Do While You Are Waiting On God To Answer Your Prayers
Learn how to find peace and strength while waiting on God. Here’s what to do when you’re in God’s waiting room and how to pray with purpose.
This past year, I’ve spent more time than ever in God’s waiting room. I’ve waited for direction. I’ve waited for healing. I’ve waited for answers to prayer. And I’m still waiting. If I could see what God’s waiting room looked like, I imagine it would be filled to the brim. I wouldn’t be surprised if I bumped into you there, too.
If I’m being honest, I’ve probably earned a permanent spot in that room. I should just roll in a cot and unpack my suitcase. Over the years, I’ve waited again and again for God to answer prayer.
Peace In The Waiting Room
I recently had one of those lightbulb moments—that kind of moment when something becomes crystal clear.
Maybe the reason I find myself in God’s waiting room so often is because I’m not meant to face certain things alone. Life can throw curveballs that are just too heavy to carry. And sometimes I’m simply weary and need a place to lean. A heavenly shoulder to rest on.
Yes, I lean on God more now than ever. And here’s what I’ve learned: the more I lean into Him, the more peace I have. The more I rely on Him, the stronger I feel. His strength, His presence, and His peace are all found in the waiting room.
Life becomes lighter, not because the waiting ends, but because God’s Spirit gives strength to carry on.
My circumstances have not changed, but God has changed me!
And I’m so thankful for it.
The past few years have brought challenges and stress, but they’ve also brought joy and unexpected blessings. In hard seasons, pain can cloud our view, blinding us to the beauty and miracles God gives us while we wait.
These are the things that have helped me most during seasons of waiting. I hope they encourage you, too.
Pray Without Ceasing
Talk to God—tell Him everything. He already knows your heart, so there’s no need to hold back. He invites you to come boldly and speak freely.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thes 5: 16-17
Let us therefore come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Add your name to prayer lists. Ask others to pray. There are faithful prayer warriors who would love to lift you up in prayer—you only need to ask.
Pray, Believing God Can Do It
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned about God is this: He can do anything. Nothing is impossible for Him. So when I need help, I go to the One who is able. And not just able, but willing to answer in the very best way. He sees what I cannot. He knows what’s ahead. And He works in every detail for His glory and my good. That kind of trust takes surrender. God is sovereign, and the wisest thing I can do is bow my knee to His perfect Kingship and will.
God is for you and not against you! He wants and will do what is best for you! God’s word says…
For I know the plans I have for you, declared the LORD, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer:29:11
Pray And Wait Expectantly
Waiting doesn’t mean sitting back and doing nothing. Be watchful. Be alert. Look for how God might already be moving in your life, even in the smallest details.
In the morning LORD, you hear my voice, in the morning I lay my request before you and wait expectantly. Psalm: 5:3
The word “expectantly” means to be a watchman. In ancient times, a watchman was someone who was positioned on one of the high towers on a city’s wall. His job was to watch intently. One of the things he would watch for was a rider coming from afar with a message from the king. Day and night, a watchman would be posted on the high tower. And day and night, that watchman would watch, expecting to see the rider coming from the king!
Are you watching for your answer?
Live At Peace With Any Situation
The word “peace” in the Bible is shalom. It means much more than just the absence of conflict. Shalom means wholeness-wellness in your body, mind, spirit, relationships, finances, and more. Even though we don’t experience full wholeness on this side of heaven, God still calls us to live in His peace. To not let our circumstances break us.
Some days, it felt like I was sitting in God’s lap. That was the only place I could find peace.
It doesn’t mean we don’t grieve. Even Jesus wept. But we must not let loss overtake us. As long as we have breath, God still has a purpose for us.
I have received the promise of this verse many times…
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7
When you are in God’s waiting room, stay close to Him. Stay in constant contact. Pray often.
And when your answer comes, give thanks. God will answer, maybe not the way you expect, but always in the way that is best for you and will glorify Him.
For now, we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection (of reality as in a riddle or enigma), but then (when perfection comes) we shall see in reality and face to face. Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood (by God). 1 Cor: 13:12
If you’re in God’s waiting room, reach out to me and ask for prayer. It would be a privilege to use my waiting time that way.
Here’s a verse I hold close during seasons of waiting…
In the morning LORD, you hear my voice, in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Ps 5:3
Frequently Asked Questions About Prayer
Prayer is simply communicating with God. Bringing your thoughts, feelings, questions, and needs before Him. Jesus modeled prayer in His public and private life (e.g., Mark 1:35, Matthew 6:9). We pray to connect with God, acknowledge our dependence, align our hearts with His will, and seek His guidance and provision
Yes. Jesus reminds us that God knows our needs before we even speak them (Matthew 6:8). That truth doesn’t make prayer unnecessary. It reminds us that God is sovereign and the One who answers our prayers. It helps us confess, surrender, and deepen intimacy with our loving Father
In Matthew 7: 7–8, Jesus encourages continuous prayer. Ask, seek, knock speaks to persistent faith. If we continue to pray and trust, God responds in His perfect timing, wisdom, and in His way. It’s not about wearing God out, but demonstrating our reliance and trusting His character
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Happy Sunday, friends!
This may come as a surprise, but I have found that it is a blessing to be in a position of waiting on the Lord. It is a time when our recognition of our dependence upon Him is heightened, and it is the time when we feel closest to Him. “In everything, give thanks!”
Very well said. Truth!
Dear Yvonne: Thank you so much for this Sunday Scripture post. I so often need to remnd myself to go to The One who knows and is all. Yes, that waiting room is a hard place to be at times, but as you mentioned, it can also be a blessing because it draws us nearer to the Lord. Please add my family to your prayer list.
Happy Sunday!
Yes, the waiting room is full to overflowing with blessings… IF you look for them.
Such a great post – I love the verse Ps. 5:3. I appreciate the reminder that we should ask others to pray for us. I seem to feel that this a burden I’m putting on another, but the way you said it, it isn’t.
It is our great pleasure and honor to bring others to the Throne of Grace. I love Ps 5:3 also.
Yvonne, I look forward every Sunday to reading what you have to offer for spiritual nourishment. I wanted to thank you for that. You’re writing is amazing. You make the reader feel as though they are sitting right beside you and you are in conversation. Thank you for your Sunday inspiration.
How nice, Patricia.
Please add me to your prayer list. I am going through a hard time. My mother passed away unexpectantly in January and my sister cut ties with me.
Of, courese. You are on my prayer list Becky. Always keep YOUR lines of conversation and have your heart open.
This was so uplifting for me, had a recent fall and concussion with a broken wrist, and all of it going on at once it’s been difficult to focus. Surgery and concussions don’t mix well. You bring me back to God the way my mother used to. Please add me and my family to your prayer list.
I have been reading your Sunday posts for the past six months and love them.
Oh, Carolynn, the sweetest comment about you mother. You are on my prayer list.
Thank you, Yvonne,
Your Bible lessons are a great blessing, as our your decorating ideas.
Please pray for my healing…my heart stopped back in April, and when I passed out, I fractured my back. I’m recovering well, but still have days that are painful, and I easily tire still. Don’t know why God saved my life, but there must be a reason…I pray I can be a blessing to others while I’m here. Ginny
Oh Ginny, I am praying for you!
Sheryl
I’m praying for your healing, Ginny. Yes, there is a reason.
Wonderfully said!
I love your Sunday posts. Today was very special. Waiting on God changes the person and it is wonderful realizing we need to lean into him, count our blessings and ask the Holy Spirit to fill us and to direct our path.
Amen! Such wonderful encouragement.
Love and needed this post. Please add me to your prayer list. Thank you!
You are added Carol. I am praying for you.
I would appreciate prayer.
I am in the waiting room now.
Not sure where I’m suppose to go, or IF I’m suppose to go.
Thank you, Sheryl
I’m praying, Sheryl!
Thank you so much for sharing. I feel like I have been in the waiting room for some time now. This has given me encouragement to be more patient waiting for an answer to my problem. Thank you again!
I’m so glad, Lynne. You are in good company.
A beautiful and encouraging post Yvonne. Along with myself, I know of many believers who are waiting patiently in these trying and perilous times. Waiting for answers to prayers but ultimately waiting in eagerness and longing for our blessed hope.
Amen!
I’ve been in the waiting room for a long time also.Praying for healing of health issues for myself and my husband every day.
I’m praying for you and your husband, too.
Dear Yvonne
Please pray for me, I have been in God’s waiting room for a VERY long time.
Dear God, answer Mia and show yourself BIG in her life.
Thank you for this post. I’ve never thought of it being a waiting room but I like it.
I stay in there with prayers for my mother (and all others) who live in a lonely and confused world due to dementia. I constantly pray for daily peace in her mind and joy in her heart.
I’m reaching out to you to pray for me. . I’m living with stage 4 breast cancer, but I give thanks everyday just for living. I will pray for you as well.
God bless you Cindy I just put you on my prayer list. You are a wonderful example of trusting God.
Please let me know how to find your prayer request list.
Thanks!
Go to this post:https://stonegableblog.com/how-to-pray-for-your-husband/
Thank you for offering to pray. My son needs salvation and we need restoration on our family. Thank you.
I’m in the waiting room and have been such a very long time. Thank you for your encouragement in this and your prayers.
Thank you for your post. Came just when I needed a reminder that I should be in the waiting room instead of the control room! God doesn’t need my help, I just need to lean closer to Him.
May God bless you as encourage us in our faith.
Thanks for your very good reminder!
I am in God’s waiting room. Please pray for me. It seems like many things have happened at once and I could use prayer to keep in His perfect peace and to trust and wait patiently and to not be anxious or afraid. Thank you
I just prayed that God would be so big in your life right now.
I thank God for your messages every week. I learn so much! Please pray for us as we wait. We need for my husband to find employment again. Not used to being in this position, but I pray for guidance on where the next chapter will take us. To see that path clearly.
I’m praying Anna. Yes, this is hard.
Yvonne, thank you for your offer of prayer..please join me in prayer for the the salvation of my two sons who have backslid since the death of their father. I am believing God for this miracle.
Oh, I will pray for your boys fervently.
Thank you, Yvonne, for reminding me of our Great God’s perfect grace and mercy, and will! His ways are perfect and sometimes past finding out. Have a blessed Sunday!!!
You are so right, Teresa!
Dear Yvonne:
I read all of your posts, no matter the topic, and particularly enjoy your Sunday post. The Lord is really using you to touch other people in a mighty way! I would love for you to pray for me as I may be facing my third cancer diagnosis. I believe in the power of prayer and I’ve seen so many miracles in my life and in the lives of people close to me, and I am putting all of my faith in the Great Physician. I am mightily praying and believing in the light of the morning!
I am praying for you, Melanie and that the miracles you have and will see will be used to point people to Jesus.
Hello Yvonne!
Love your Sunday posts, I relate well to them and it’s no coincidence I read this one today. We are in the midst of a move, something I have prayed about for years, but finally now we have the opportunity and we are going through the doors the Lord has opened. But there have been hassles along the way making it at times extremely stressful and each time, there is a waiting period. So this message was timely for sure. And wouldn’t you know, my Pastor today had a message where he gave exactly the same illustration of the waiting room!!! Coincidence? I think not!! I love when that happens, it sure does mean so much to me. I will keep you in my prayers. Have a very blessed day in all you do today and always.
Absolutely no coincidence. I believe God is talking to you! God bless you as you are directed by the Lord.
Yvonne- I find so much Direction and Peace in your words each week. Thank You So Much. I was just diagnosed with breast cancer. The outpour of Love, support, and prayers from family and friends has been such a comfort. Feeling so overwhelmed with this diagnosis, I’ve been spending a great deal of time in God’s Waiting Room, praying and seeking His comfort, direction, and healing. I would be very humbled to have you include me in your prayer list. Thank You So Much. Lorna
God bless you Lorna! I pray you can feel God’s presence through your healing process. Praying for you.
Thank You Yvonne.
Yvonne- Just wanted to update you on my condition. After two breast cancer surgeries (the second, a double mastectomy), the pathology report came back negative…I AM CANCER FREE! My surgeon called me on my Birthday with the results… Best Birthday Gift Ever! After 5 months in God’s Waiting Room, God has Blessed me with a Renewed Life…He has indeed Restoreth My Soul! Thank You So Much for including me in your prayer list and praying for me! GOD IS GOOD! PRAISE THE LORD! Lorna
Prais God! I’m so happy for you!
Oh, Yvonne, how this message speaks to my soul and where I am in the waiting process. For 3 1/2 years we have been in a “waiting” place and it seems that just when we think we finally will see the nightmare of an unnecessary lawsuit over a legal easement we have deeded to our farm end, the trial date moves again. We know God is walking with us holding us by our right hand and that in his perfect timing, it will be resolved and it will all over over but it sure has been a long road to walk. Thank goodness, we know Jesus as our Savior and best friend and we expectantly wait for his plan to be revealed. I don’t know how those who don’t know his amazing love make it thru tough times. Thank you for sharing your Sunday devotions and for living your faith out loud.
What a wonderful testimony to faith in Jesus! I love your spiritual maturity that you wait expectantly for HIS plan. May God bless you and may you see Him in your situation.
I’ve prayed 11 years for a husband/stepdad for my daughter and grandchildren. God has finally brought the most darling and wonderful man to their family, and they are planning a future together. I’ve said to my church family that God knows I’m going to knock on the door of Heaven until I get my answer. I admit the road to this answer was paved with frustration and many tears, but I knew in my heart that God is faithful.
Wonderful post!
Oh, Mary! You are so right! Keep knocking, and knocking, and knocking! I’ll knock with you.
The last few years have been very difficult for our family. Multiple issues simultaneously, serious issues. I was a lapsed Baptist for years after growing up in a strict fundamentalist home. Then my BFF began talking to me about her belief in God. At first I used my debate skills to challenge her but then I began to see. Although I had drifted away from him, he never left me. I just refused to see it. Since Spring of 2024, after my lung cancer diagnosis, I humbled myself before him and asked forgiveness. Now, a year later, I see that he strengthens me daily. I am still not as good a Christian as I should be, But each day, my faith grows stronger. And, yes, please pray for me.
No one is a good Christian. We are all just saved sinners! Just abide and obey the Lord! I’m so happy to hear you ran back to the arms of Jesus.
Hi and thank you so much for this post! I am currently in God’s waiting room. I’m waiting on the Lord to help me to open a soup kitchen. Really my dream is to open many soup kitchens. I’ve done everything I can think of to prepare and have been following the Lord’s voice in preparation, but now I’m at a point where I don’t know what to do anymore but wait. If you could please pray for not only my direction and patience, but for God to fulfill my dream of feeding His sheep? Thank you so much and God bless!
Oh I am praying for you Anja! Believe, trust, pray, plan, give thanks, and wait on our Lord’s perfect timing. God bless you and your dream!