The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer. 1 Peter 3:12
In an age as skeptical as ours quite a few people question the relevance of prayer. In a time so full of pressing needs -- worldwide hunger, ongoing wars, the threat of overpopulation, pollution, energy shortages, and the like -- prayer can seem rather innocuous. To some it appears harmless, but hardly meaningful.
Perhaps we as Christians do not feel quite so negative about prayer. But it appears that on many occasions even Christians will spend a great deal more time worrying about things than they will praying about things. It might be necessary for us to take a moment to rediscover prayer.
Our test tells us quite plainly that God's ears are open to our prayers. We need not pray in a stiff, formal fashion, for prayer is conversation with God. He will hear prayers that are spoken in the name of Christ, and He will answer them. Sometimes He has to say no. Even earthly fathers have to weigh and consider the requests of their children. But when God says no, He gives us something better than what we prayed for. That's why we pray: "Your will be done," for God always hears and answers our prayers in a way that is best for us.
What a privilege prayer is! Therefore let's bring all our requests, both small and large to our Lord in prayer.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, teach us to pray without ceasing. Amen.
(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996 (out of print), Concordia Publishing House. For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 137 Ezekiel 1-2 1 Timothy 2
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