When should my prayers be answered?

I had the opportunity to preach at Elk Creek Church last sunday, (check them out @ elkcreekonline.com) and was struck by this thought in my preparations. 

"When should my prayers be answered?"

This isn't a question I typically ask, because most of my prayers are prayed with urgency wanting the answer yesterday.  The reality is of course that while I may be asking for a good thing that is right in line with God's will, direction, and purpose for my life... it might not be time yet.  It might be that the difficulty of my circumstance is the very tool God is using to prune and refine me. Or maybe, just maybe, my stewardship of this difficult or painful situation is an opportunity for God to be glorified and the Gospel to be adorned.  

Is there room in my worldview to be patient rather than accuse God of slowness.  Isn't that what Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:9.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

In other words... my perception of God's slowness may well be an expression of his patience with me!  For the express purpose of extending his grace in salvation to others.

Lord sorry for my impatience.