What do you do when your prayers feel stuck in a holding pattern?
“Finally brethren, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God,
so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians 6:10-19
(written by Paul as a prisoner in modern day Turkey)
In aviation, there are few moments more frustrating than when you’ve done everything right, planned your course, prepped for the journey (I called it SCORE: SAFE, COMFORTABLE, ONTIME, RELIABLE and EFFICIENT), only to find yourself circling in a holding pattern, waiting for clearance to exit the hold and continue your approach to land. Sometimes you can see your destination, but you’re stuck, unable to move forward. Doesn’t that feel a lot like our prayer life at times?
We pray and we wait; yet it feels like our prayers are suspended in midair, going nowhere. When our prayers feel like they’re in a holding pattern, we may start to question: Is God listening? Is something wrong with my faith? Why isn’t anything happening?
Refueling for the Wait:
Staying Spiritually Fueled
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12
In aviation, no flight can stay aloft without sufficient fuel. Similarly, during spiritual holding patterns, persistence in prayer acts as our fuel. When you’re waiting for God to answer, it’s crucial to remain in constant communication with Him—praying without ceasing. This fuels your spirit, keeping you aloft, even when you feel stuck.
Jesus teaches us about persistence in prayer through the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18. Just like that widow, keep knocking on the door, keep bringing your requests to God. Every prayer offered fuels your faith, keeping you from running spiritually empty while you wait for God’s timing leaning on His Word.
Holding Steady in the Air:
Trusting God’s Timing
“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.”
Ephesians 6:13
When you’re in a holding pattern, it’s easy to feel restless, but pilots trust that air traffic control is orchestrating a safe approach. In the same way, we must trust God’s timing. It’s not about standing still, but about standing firm on the promises of God’s Word!
Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 to put on the full armor of God, so that we can remain strong and prepared even in times of waiting. God may use this season to refine us, to teach us patience, and to prepare us for something with a plan greater than mine. Even when your prayers feel suspended, remember that you’re not grounded—you’re being held in God’s hands, and He is working things out behind the scenes for your good (Jeremiah 29:11).
Navigating by Instruments:
Walking by Faith
“We walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
In a holding pattern, pilots must rely on their instruments because they can’t always see the horizon. In our spiritual lives, when we can’t see what’s coming next, we must rely on faith to navigate. Walking by faith, and not by sight, is trusting that God knows the destination, even when you don’t.
In Daniel 10:12-13, we see that Daniel’s prayers were delayed due to spiritual warfare. Even though he didn’t see the battle happening in the heavenly realms, God had heard his prayer immediately. Likewise, there may be things happening beyond your view that are delaying the answers to your prayers. Trust your spiritual “instruments”— God’s promises — and know that He is in control, even when you can’t see it.
Circling with Purpose:
Finding Strength in the Waiting
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
A holding pattern doesn’t mean aimlessness. Pilots maintain situational awareness, fuel efficiency, and readiness while circling, preparing for the moment they are cleared to exit the hold and shoot the approach to land. Likewise, in your spiritual holding pattern, God is building your endurance, strengthening you for being prepared for what’s ahead.
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that those who wait on the Lord will have their strength renewed. God is preparing you for something greater, something you may not be ready for just yet. Use this time to deepen your faith, to let God refine your character, and to strengthen your spiritual wings.
Preparing for the Landing:
Trusting God’s Perfect Timing
“With all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching their unto with all preservation and supplication for all saints. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Ephesians 6:18
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit saith the Lord of hosts.”
Zechariah 4:10
Just as pilots stay alert for when they’re finally cleared to land, we must remain spiritually prepared for the moment God answers our prayers. Sometimes the waiting is a time of preparation —God is aligning things in His perfect way and time. The key is to stay alert, to keep praying, and to be ready for what God has in store.
Your holding pattern won’t last forever. God’s timing is perfect, and when the time comes, you will land safely, right where He intends you to be.
A Prayer for When You Feel Stuck
“Dear Lord, when my prayers feel like they’re circling in a holding pattern, help me to trust in Your perfect timing. Equip me with Your full armor so that I may stand firm in faith. Strengthen me in the waiting, and prepare my heart for what You have in store. I believe that You hear my prayers and that Your answers will come at the perfect time. Amen.”
In aviation, a holding pattern is never the end of the journey —it’s simply a delay before the final approach. When your prayers feel stuck, remember that God is still in control of your flight. Keep praying, keep trusting, and hold on to the promise that God is guiding you, even in the waiting.
“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14
