It happened again—another prayer, another answer—this one different though.
A single row on the planter kept plugging. Seed from the hopper would not flow to the row. There was a plug and block somewhere within the hopper preventing and impeding flow. Knock of a hammer light to the hopper floor, and the seed would flow again. But having to so every acre—on a 220 acre field—is not a desirable course of action.
Trying what I knew—removing seed line, clearing passageway with screwdriver and wire, bending wire to break loose anything that might be forming a physical layer to block seed-flow from above—no change in effect, I prayed again.
“Dear Jesus, could you please help Row #4 to flow.”
And just like that—it plugged again.
One would think the prayer was denied and failed, but such is perspective absent faith and seeking to discern and do God’s intent.
What was answer to the prayer?
“Try again.”
And so I did.
This too is something I’ve learned of prayer. Prayer is not asking for a magic happening (though sometimes answer can be). Often prayer is asking for, and its answer is, discernment: to sense and do as God desires to achieve a prayed-for outcome. Often, discerning, prayer’s answer is follow-on actions in faith—our own efforts and doing in discern and align to God’s solution.
I removed the seed line once more, doing what I could to free whatever it was I could not see but knew was there—cause and reason for the seed’s not flowing.
This time, row planted past its usual plug. Thought for this story began—and then row warning flash, but the seed flow returned again. I continued on in faith.
I prayed a rosary. Whole time of prayer, not a single stoppage.
As soon as I stopped praying, seed flow did the same.
What is the answer?
“Try again.”
And so I do.
Same process. Same actions, and when I try again—no seed flows. I look more closely. Attentive, I discern and tap a different place. Immediately, seed flowed.
Line has not plugged or had problem since.
Prayer is not magic. Prayer is intention, what we speak of soul direct to God. When answers do not come or appear as we expect, “try again.” Try again, that we might see and do—discern—course and action toward prayer’s aim in accord to answer that’s of God, plain or profound as it may be.