26 Jun: God Hears Prayer
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 29:10–14
United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt often had to stand through long receiving lines at the White House. Many people would pass by, shake his hand, and say polite things without really paying attention.
One day, as the story goes, Roosevelt decided to test them. As each guest came by, he said, “I murdered my grandmother this morning.” Most people smiled and replied with empty compliments such as, “Marvelous!” or “Keep up the good work. God bless you, Sir.”
Only one man seemed to truly hear him. When the ambassador from Bolivia reached him, he paused and whispered, “I’m sure she had it coming.”
It’s strange how easy it is for people to hear words without really listening. We may speak, but the person in front of us is already thinking about something else. And sometimes, that fear follows us into prayer. We wonder, “Is God really listening to me? Does He hear what I’m saying? Does He care about what I’m carrying?”
With people, we often look for signs. Eye contact. A reply. A change in tone. But with God, we don’t have to depend on feelings or visible proof. We know He hears us because He has given us His Word.
After seventy years of exile in Babylon, God promised to bring His people back to Jerusalem and secure their future (Jeremiah 29:10–11). When they called upon Him, He heard them (verse 12). That same assurance belongs to us today (1 John 5:14).
Our confidence in prayer is not built on how emotional we feel. It is not built on how quickly the answer comes. It is built on the character of God. He hears His children. He pays attention. He does not ignore the cry of those who seek Him. And because God keeps His promises, we can trust Him even while we wait (2 Corinthians 1:20).
By: Jeffrey Wald
Go deeper on: God Hears Prayer
Reflect & Pray
When have you felt that God wasn’t listening? Why did you feel that way?
Dear God, thank You for hearing my prayers, though I may sometimes doubt it. Help me to trust Your promise that You listen to me.