Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader,
Books / Pr - Prayer (2002) / Chapter 3—God Hears Prayer
God Always Responds, Though We May Not Realize It—If we come to God, feeling helpless and dependent, as we really are, and in humble, trusting faith make known our wants to Him whose knowledge is infinite, who sees everything in creation, and who governs everything by His will and word, He can and will attend to our cry, and will let light shine into our hearts. Through sincere prayer we are brought into connection with the mind of the Infinite. We may have no remarkable evidence at the time that the face of our Redeemer is bending over us in compassion and love, but this is even so. We may not feel His visible touch, but His hand is upon us in love and pitying tenderness.—(Steps to Christ, 97.) {Pr 37.1}
God’s Answers Are Not Always What We Expect—
Ask, then; ask, and ye shall receive. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage, increase of faith. To every sincere prayer an answer will come. It may not come just as you desire, or at the time you look for it; but it will come in the way and at the time that will best meet your need. The prayers you offer in loneliness, in weariness, in trial, God answers, not always according to your expectations, but always for your good.—(Messages to Young People, 250.) {Pr 37.2}
God Hears Prayers for the Conversion of Souls—
When those who know the truth practice the self-denial enjoined in God’s word, the message will go with power. The Lord will hear our prayers for the conversion of souls. God’s people will let their light shine forth, and unbelievers, seeing their good works, will glorify our heavenly Father.—(Counsels on Stewardship, 302.) {Pr 37.3}
Our Father in heaven knows the beginning from the end. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows what we need before we even ask. We may think we know what will be of benefit to us, but God knows what is best. He will not always answer our prayers in the way we want, but always for our own good. God hears our prayers. He will pour out His Spirit in us and we become as one mind though Christ Jesus. Our life is changed and we experience true heart conversion. We will find peace in our souls.
Our Father in heaven,
We come to the foot of Your throne in thanksgiving and praise. We thank You for always being there for us, for Your promise that You would never leave us nor forsake us. You are almighty, all powerful, and all knowing. You know what is best for us better than we know ourselves. There are many things we do not understand and still need to learn. There are many things that are a mystery, which You did not intend for us to know until we get to heaven. We pray for wisdom and understanding that we can walk in Your ways and stay on the strait path You set before us that leads to Your heavenly kingdom. If we stray to the left or to the right, we pray that You keep us moving straight and forward in our walk with You. As Enoch was, a man of God who walked with God, so let it be the same for us. By Your Word, let us know the truth and practice the self-denial You demonstrated while You walked this earth. Grant us Your power that You may abide in us and us in You. May we experience that true heart conversion that only You can give. May we find peace in our souls. We may not see You, but we know You are with us, having Your hand upon us in love and pitying tenderness. For the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are not seen are eternal. May we live a Christ like existence while here on earth. May we honor and glorify Your name. Let us fulfill Your will for us in our life; let not our will, but let thy will be done. Save us, dear Lord, from our sins. Forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers, according to Your will, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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