"O you who hear prayer..." Psalm 65:2
It is a simple statement from the psalmist with an incredibly profound truth: our God hears our prayers. The implications of such a marvelous statement are massive. Think about what all this means to say that God hears us when we pray.
1. God is alive
A dead person or object cannot hear. To say that God hears is to say that He is alive.
2. You are never alone
Since God hears your prayers, you always have someone who is listening. Suffering is one thing; suffering alone is far worse. For the believer, even in your darkest hours, you can know that God hears you when you pray. A Christian may hurt, and the pain may be severe, but no follower of Christ has to suffer in silence. You can cry out to God and know that your God hears.
3. God wants us to talk to Him
The whole reason prayer exists is because God gave it to His people as a gift. The Lord established prayer as a means for His people to cry out to Him. Therefore, we can say not only that God hears, but that God wants to hear His people pray.
4. God alone answers our prayers
Isaiah adds, "From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him" (Isaiah 64:4). As we wait upon the Lord, God moves. Our waiting is a process of reading His Word and praying His will, and then trusting in the providence of the Lord. And when God moves, when He answers our prayers, we can know that there is no one other than God that moves on behalf of those who cry out to Him.
Jonathan Edwards writes, "The Most High is a God that hears prayer. Though He is infinitely above all and stands in no need of creatures, yet He is graciously pleased to take a merciful notice of poor worms of the dust. He manifests and presents Himself as the object of prayer and appears as sitting on a mercy seat, that men may come to Him by prayer."
So, be encouraged to know today that your God hears you. He knows, He understands, and He cares. He is the God who hears. Lift your heart to Him today. Go to Him with your joys and sorrows. Express to Him your thanksgiving as well as your needs. Our God is alive, He wants us to communicate with Him, He answers prayers, and we can rest in knowing that we are never alone!
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"Anchored in Hope" is a book Michael has written that contains forty daily devotionals. Whether you are a new Christian or a seasoned believer, these daily readings will strengthen your faith as they point you to Christ. To order your copy, click here. To request prayer, please click here.
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