How do you know if it's a "NO"?

I pray to God for anything and everything. Simple or complicated, I know God doesn’t mind. He wants it better when we run to Him for help and for comfort.

Sometimes, some of the things that happen in our life are contrary to what we’ve been praying for. When things don’t turn out the way we want them to, should we still be persistent in prayer? When and how do we know if God is already saying... “NO...NO...NO”?

Today’s reading says that we, adults, are no longer like kids, who are very pushy when they want to get something. Kids are indeed very persistent. My students would repeatedly and ceaselessly ask me for lots and lots of things (sometimes, every second –seriously! just to get what they want!)... Ms. Jam, can I go play again? Ms. Jam, can we go to the park? Ms. Jam, can I have more cookies? Ms. Jam, can I do this? Ms. Jam, can I do that? Ms. Jam...Ms. Jam...Ms.Jam!

Sometimes, they get me to concede. I give in because they just won’t stop...

Is God like that? Would He eventually concede if I insist on getting what I want?

To quote Bo Sanchez: "The universe adjusts to your expectations. If you expect nothing, you get nothing. Ask. Not for a bit. Not for a little. Ask for a double portion!"

That’s why I haven’t given up on my prayers. That’s why I haven’t truly let go of some of the things in my life right now. That’s why I continue to hope, to plan, to aspire, to dream, and to love. It is because I know that God is always listening. He never says "no" to me… He simply answers my prayers in a way that’s best for me.