“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. If we know that he hears us … we know that we have what we asked of him.”
1 John 5:14-15
Have you ever prayed to God and felt like you were speaking to a vacant room?
For me, it’s easy to start speaking empty words, forgetting that I’m in conversation with the living God of the universe. Sometimes I just feel alone, and I wonder if anyone’s listening. The worst part is, I don’t think this feeling is uncommon. The struggle we all face in prayer is perhaps why Paul urges us to pray—rather than merely suggesting we do so (see 1 Timothy 2:1).
Prayer can seem like a one-sided conversation. So how do we gain the confidence that God is on the other side of the proverbial telephone? Jesus prayed to the Father constantly throughout His ministry. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed that the Father would take the cup of crucifixion from Him. Even then, with His glory so close at hand, I imagine He felt alone and abandoned.
The good news for Him and for each of us is that Jesus was not alone—and He knew it! He understood that His Father was listening. We, too, can be sure our prayers are being heard, heeded, and acted upon.
For me, it’s easy to start speaking empty words, forgetting that I’m in conversation with the living God of the universe. Sometimes I just feel alone, and I wonder if anyone’s listening. The worst part is, I don’t think this feeling is uncommon. The struggle we all face in prayer is perhaps why Paul urges us to pray—rather than merely suggesting we do so (see 1 Timothy 2:1).
Prayer can seem like a one-sided conversation. So how do we gain the confidence that God is on the other side of the proverbial telephone? Jesus prayed to the Father constantly throughout His ministry. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed that the Father would take the cup of crucifixion from Him. Even then, with His glory so close at hand, I imagine He felt alone and abandoned.
The good news for Him and for each of us is that Jesus was not alone—and He knew it! He understood that His Father was listening. We, too, can be sure our prayers are being heard, heeded, and acted upon.
Scripture Focus
Matthew 6:5-15
Insight
1 Thessalonians 5:17 is a simple imperative statement: “Pray continually.” Consider this verse as you go about your day.
Bible In A Year
- Deuteronomy 5-6
- Psalm 82
- Acts 3-4
