“He went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Peter knocked at the outer entrance.”
Acts 12:12-13
Even before my stroke, I found myself trying hard to get my prayer life together. I would set aside time to pray but would quickly become distracted. I’d go down a twisted path of worrying about the tasks awaiting me that day. I tried taking short breaks, but I’d only repeat the tortured process again. After numerous failed attempts, I’d quit in frustration.
Does any of that sound familiar to you? If so, you too need these comforting words: “God hears us not for the quality of our prayers. He hears us because He is the God who hears” (Ed Welch, 2020).
God heard the deficient prayers of the Israelites when they called out in hunger and exhaustion (see Exodus 16). In the New Testament, God heard the prayers of the believers for Peter’s release from jail—even when they wouldn’t listen to Rhoda, the servant girl, who testified that Peter was standing at the door!
Praise the Lord that our prayers do not have to meet a particular standard for Him to hear us. He heeds our humble cry, no matter when and how it is uttered.
Does any of that sound familiar to you? If so, you too need these comforting words: “God hears us not for the quality of our prayers. He hears us because He is the God who hears” (Ed Welch, 2020).
God heard the deficient prayers of the Israelites when they called out in hunger and exhaustion (see Exodus 16). In the New Testament, God heard the prayers of the believers for Peter’s release from jail—even when they wouldn’t listen to Rhoda, the servant girl, who testified that Peter was standing at the door!
Praise the Lord that our prayers do not have to meet a particular standard for Him to hear us. He heeds our humble cry, no matter when and how it is uttered.
Scripture Focus
Acts 12:11-16
Insight
Thank You, Lord, that You still hear our limited and deficient prayers. Amen
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 16
- Psalm 69
- John 10
