“Why should I bother praying? If God is as omniscient as you Christians say, he should know what I need and just give it. If I have to tell him, then he doesn’t really know everything. If he knows my needs and doesn’t help me, then he’s either powerless or cruel or both.”

Whew. Did you ever hear talk like that? I have. The skeptic who uttered those blasphemies completely missed the point that God’s ultimate desire is to have a relationship with us, not bring heaven on earth. We will experience heaven in heaven. In the meantime, the faith-bond that links us to God is of paramount importance. It is everything.

When God’s children experience hardships, of course he sees. Of course he cares. The one who sent his Son to the cross for us couldn’t love us more. But he usually waits—first, to see if we can handle the problems with the skills and resources he’s already given us, and second, to be asked: “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). The whole point of his answers to our prayers is not merely to reduce our pain but to build up our faith in him.

What do you need from him right now? Say a prayer that acknowledges his awesome love, his unbelievable power, and his steady wisdom. Then ask.