There’s a story in the Bible about a lame man who is carried daily to sit at the gate of a temple and beg for money (see Acts 3:1–8). When he addresses Christ Jesus’ disciples Peter and John, Peter tells the man, “Look on us.” The account says that “he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.” And it continues, “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.” 

The man had expected that Peter and John would help—even if it turned out to be not in the way he’d thought—and he was receptive, trusting, and completely healed. 

Expectation played a big part in my prayers recently. I was home alone, and I slipped and fell hard on my hand and wrist. The intense pain made it hard to think clearly. But because I have relied on spiritual means for healing throughout my life and have witnessed many healings through prayer alone, my expectation was that God would comfort and heal me.