Am I Talking to the Wall?

The Question:

Does God actually hear the prayers that I offer?  This is the age old question asked by many people from various walks of life.  Whether it is a prayer murmured before a game, a prayer uttered for a future spouse, or a prayer offered for good health, one may still wonder if it is actually being heard by God.

The Doubt:

The reason that there is room for doubt to creep into one's mind, concerning the receiving of prayer by God, is largely due to the manner in which said prayers are answered(see footnote*).  As mortal beings are bound to time, and ultimately the fate of death, there is a natural earnestness for expediency when one's desires are at stake.  A quick, and obvious, response to prayer is usually expected, but not always given; since the answer might not be given until a future date, since it might be given in a subtle response, or since it may even be just a simple 'no', one may begin to reason that the prayers are even heard and received by God.

The Promise:

 Fortunately, there is more evidence to work on than simply 'God works in mysterious ways' when answering the question about God hearing, and answering, prayer; quite a bit more, actually.  There are several scriptures providing assurance that prayers are indeed heard by God**.  James 1 says that God will give wisdom to those who ask.  James 5 says to pray when you are suffering(vs13).  It also states in verse 14, and verse 16, that prayer will restore the sick, and also that the prayer of the righteous will accomplish much.  1 John 5:14 states even clearer that Christians can have confidence that God will hear their prayers.  These scriptures indicate that God not only hears prayer, but that He also answers prayer.

The End:  

Sometimes it can be easy to become discouraged, feeling alone and lost, and thinking there is nobody there to help. But take courage because there is somebody who is always there to listen to your struggles and sorrows.  He will help you through the hardest times of your life, because He understands who you are, what you are, and what you need. God does indeed hear your prayers; they are not muffled and trapped by mankind's structures, and they do not dissipate into the atmosphere.  So the next time you are praying in your car, in a closet, or maybe even in a shower, have faith that your words are not falling upon deaf ears, but rather know that they are being received by your Creator who loves and cares for you.

 

* This blog does not intend to offer a conclusion on the manner in which prayers are answered.
** I feel the need to restate that this blog is not intended as an explanation of how prayers are answered, but simply that God does hear prayers.