This week I was reading Psalm 40 where David was thinking back to the time when he had gone through a very tough situation and had obviously prayed, but in himself he couldn't find any answer to his problem. This is what David said about that particular trial he went through.
 

First he called on God. Until you pray and ask God to help you nothing will happen. There has to be a belief and a faith that God will hear you and answer.

 

Secondly, he said he waited patiently for the Lord. We've all heard this but part of how we develop faith and perseverance is by going though trials and learning to wait on God. Almost every answer to prayer I've ever received I had to patiently wait for it. But when we pray, and keep praying, we should patiently wait with full expectation that the answer is on the way.

 

Then David said, God lifted him out of the slimy pit and set his feet on a rock! God responded and when He does He always puts us in a place that is firm and solid. 

 

Next, David said God put a new song of praise in his mouth. For a believer that should be our first response. Singing our praises to the Lord for His deliverance!

 

Finally, David said he was blessed because he had trusted in the Lord! Prayer, patience, deliverance, praise, blessings! That was what David did. And God answered! Personally I would add in praise and worship before and after every stage or level.

It's a done deal. He has already delivered us, He has promised to continue to deliver us, so why not praise Him before the answer is even seen. That's faith, and it pleases God!