Tuesday, August 22, 2023
When we pray, we are often hoping that God is listening—but I would counter—if we don't listen in return to what he is saying, we might just miss those prayers being answered.
In a way, it's like planting a garden and then walking away from it, hoping it grows. In the end, we’ll be going to the grocery store for tomatoes. When we pray in faith, we should listen with a faithful ear for answers. And if we hear an answer, we need to faithfully respond, whether that be thanking God for what he's done or by taking the action for which we requested guidance.
Acts 10:9
The next day as Cornelius’s messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon,…
I’m not sure if “up on the roof” was a quiet spot that day or not, but I like to think that’s why Peter sought that location. I have some favorite places I like to go off to and pray, not because I want to be alone necessarily, but because they're quiet. There, I listen for God's voice. Little things, like the birds chirping or feeling the wind pick up, let me know he is there.
Acts 10:19-21
19 Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. 20 Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.”
21 So Peter went down and said, “I’m the man you are looking for. Why have you come?”
Peter got up and went, without hesitation. I am lacking there sometimes. I’m fully committed during my quiet time with God, but then I move on to the next daily task and completely forget what happened earlier. And honestly, I can only speak for myself, but I don’t always have the option to get up and go now. That’s where a prayer journal would come in handy.
By writing down our prayers and dreams from God and periodically reviewing them, we have a point of reference. Journaling offers a tangible reminder of God’s past faithfulness, especially during those times when we feel stagnant or are patiently waiting for his response. It can also provide us with the motivation we need to get up and move when God calls us to action.
Prayer is a powerful way for us to communicate with God, and he with us. It is one of the ways God grows us. Through prayer, we can better understand his love for us and, in turn, grow our hearts for others.
Questions:
Do you have a favorite quiet place to pray and listen for a response? What do you do when you hear God’s voice? Do you get up and go?
Next Steps:
Set a timeframe and commit to a prayer journal. In it, thank God for all he has done in your life and write about answered prayers.
It's not too late to join us for 21 Days of Prayer. Text “21 Days” to 419-419-0707.
Prayer:
Day 9 Prayer Focus - For the Next Generation (Proverbs 22:6)
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the precious gift of children that you have entrusted to us. Help us to guide them in your ways and to nurture their unique gifts and talents. We praise you for making our children in your image and giving them a share of our best qualities. Give us patience when we see our children struggle with doubt, pride, or selfishness, and remind us of your grace and mercy in our own lives. Lead us and our children back to your purpose and your truth. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
1 John 4:10-11
10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.