“I love the Lord because He hears my voice and
my prayer for mercy.” - Psalm 116:1 (NLT)
My dear friend Robert and his wife Tammy longed for a child, a story many parents can relate to. Through nights filled with tears, sleepless moments questioning God, they continued to pray... and pray... and finally God gave them a child. If I were in Robert’s shoes, I would have grappled with questions like, “Lord, are You listening? Do You hear my prayers? Do You know we want a child? Will You ever answer me?”
Their story echoes the heartfelt prayer of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:10-20. Hannah was barren, prayed earnestly for a child, God heard her prayer, and she joyfully gave birth to Samuel. Just as He heard the cries of Robert and Tammy, God hears the cries of our hearts. As my seminary professor wisely said, "We pray to a prayer-hearing God!" How reassuring! If there's ever a moment in your life where you feel unheard by God, remember, He is a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God.
Throughout the scriptures, we encounter instances that affirm God's prayer-hearing and prayer-answering nature. King Hezekiah was gravely ill and prayed for healing. God heard his prayer, extended his life, and provided a sign through the movement of the sun's shadow (2 Kings 20:1-7). Daniel fervently prayed for understanding and mercy for the restoration of Jerusalem, and God sent the angel Gabriel to enlighten him (Daniel 9:3-19). One of my favorites is when the early Christian community prayed for Peter's release from prison, and miraculously, an angel freed him (Acts 12:1-17).
Dear friend, be assured that God sees you pray. He hears you. He is listening (Psalm 34:17; Matthew 7:7-8). So, continue to pour out your heart in prayer to our prayer-hearing, prayer-listening and prayer-answering God.
“My friend, God sees you pray. He hears you. He is listening. So, pray, to your prayer-hearing, prayer-listening, prayer-answering God.”
Tip of the Day
Consider this verse: "Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you." - Jeremiah 29:12 (NLT). Since God is listening, pray right now so you can see God work in your life.
Prayer
Our Father, how good to know You are a prayer-hearing God. I do not pray to a statue but to a loving Father, who sent Jesus to be my Savior who comforts me by the Holy Spirit. Help me to pray because I believe You are a loving, prayer-hearing, prayer-answering God. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pause and Reflect
Recall a time when you experienced God's answer to your prayers. How did it strengthen your faith?
Are there situations in your life where you currently feel unheard or unanswered by God? How can the assurance of God's prayer-hearing nature impact your perspective?
Consider someone you know who is going through a challenging time. How can you encourage them to pray to the prayer-hearing God?
