This is a picture of me on my standing exercise machine. I've had this machine for about 5 years now and have used it sporadically during that time. I've been pretty consistent with it this year and I believe it has helped in my improvement.
Last night as I was doing my 20 minutes of standing, I said outloud 'I wish this table could be raised higher.' My dad then adjusted it and raised it. Oh my gosh! Do you know how many times I've wished for that in my head but never said it aloud? Hundreds. I just didn't think it was possible. Now I can stand straighter without leaning over and it's a lot more comfortable. 30 minutes seems now more probable in my near future.
As I stood there, I immediately thought of how our prayer lives are often just like this. We don't pray for things because we don't believe it's possible. We may decide that Jane or John Doe are beyond help and think it's impossible for them to change. We may think 'that'll never happen in my lifetime.' Don't you think that kind of attitude puts God's power on a short leash? To receive it, we must first ask for it and then wait for His will to be done in the matter.
I'm adding this caption in here to remind you that prayer does not work like a vending machine. It is all dependent upon His will. He sees the big picture and knows the right response to our every prayer request. 'With God, all things are possible.'