“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

It is no secret that I am constantly working on my patience. It is not something that comes naturally for me. The other day I was trying to contact my doctor and pharmacy, consecutively, to figure out why insurance wasn’t approving a medication I have been taking for a couple of years. I would dial the number, only to get the message, “We are experiencing a high volume of calls. Your call will be answered in the order it was received.”

Cue the annoying elevator music. Yikes! The Pharmacy actually had me leave a message, and as promised they got back to me within the hour. The doctor’s office had a different strategy. Every once in a while, the music would be interrupted by a voice saying, “You are in position 6 in this queue. Please wait to be connected.” That was somewhat helpful because it allowed me to turn down the music until I got closer to #2 or #1 in the line of callers. I eventually got a real person.

I’m sorry if the title of this article was misleading. I really don’t know how to avoid being put on hold when it comes to calls of this kind. But one thing I am certain of: God does not put us on hold. He does not fill our heads with angelic harp playing while we wait for Him to answer us. He does not tell us we are #1,345,839 in His queue and please wait until we are connected.

God’s Word promises that He hears our prayers the minute we utter them (1 John 5:14). Jesus is continually talking to the Father about us, interceding and praying for us (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34). Sometimes there is an immediate answer. Other times He says no, but it’s always for our good (James 1:17). Another outcome might be that we need to wait on His perfect timing and learn to trust Him in the interim (Isaiah 55:9). We can come directly to the throne room and present our requests to Him, no line, no waiting, no being put on hold (Ephesians 2:18).

I, for one, am so grateful for this kind of direct access to my Heavenly Father. He bears our burdens (1 Peter 5:7), hears our cries (Jeremiah 29:12), comforts the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:8), and makes possible what seems impossible (Mark 10:27). He walks with us through every trial and decision (Hebrews 13:5), gives direction through His Spirit and His Word (Proverbs 3:5-6), and provides His wisdom in every situation if we ask (James 1:5).

He inhabits our praise (Psalm 22:3) and brings beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3). He encourages our intimacy and conversations to be centered on thanksgiving (Philippians 4:4-6). He provides a way out of temptation (10:13). He welcomes our prayers like incense (Psalm 141:2), and He is near to all who call on Him (Psalm 145:18).

I could go on and on. There are so many ways God answers us. I’m not sure how He does it for everyone at the same time because I’m not God, but I know that I know His promises are true.

The next time you call on the Father, be assured you will not be put on hold!