Sunday, March 7, 2010

God Hears Our Prayers

"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, 'Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.'" -- Luke 11:1

Jesus frequently prayed. I believe He sought strength and guidance from His Father. Our Father. The One who created us and loves us so very much.

This passage of scripture is followed by The Lord's Prayer. It is a wonderful example of how we should pray, giving praise to the Father, seeking guidance, seeking forgiveness and giving it to others, thanking Him for providing for our needs. We can use the words Jesus gave to us or we can use our own words. God hears just the same.

I used to get upset with myself. I'd find myself repeating the same things and I wondered if my prayers had grown stale. Was I somehow less appreciative of all God has given me? Was I taking Him for granted? Had a failed to cherrish this opportunity to talk with Him?

Then I remembered that there is no wrong way to talk with the Father when my words come from my heart. I love Him. He knows that. He's okay with my questions and insecurities. He's okay that I ask, yet again, for Him to hold my tongue. He knows I still seek His protection for the ones I love. Those things don't change.

He also hears the things that do change. He hears the joy in my heart as the sun shines down on my face. He hears my urgent prayer for healing for someone I love. He laughs with me at the antics of my dogs, as I gratefully thank Him for their presence in my life.

God is there is my days and nights. He hears the prayers that come from me when I am down on my knees. He hears me when I clutch my Bible against my chest and sob. He hears me when I hike through the pasture, surrounded by His creation and the joy it brings.

God hears me. And, really, that is all that matters. I belong to Him. And He hears me when I pray.