God Hears Us

After a long time the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned under their slavery, and cried out. Out of the slavery their cry for help rose up to God. God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God looked upon the Israelites, and God took notice of them. Exodus 2:23-25 (NRSV)

Then those who revered the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord took note and listened, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who revered the Lord and thought on his name. Malachi 3:16(NRSV)

Joan R.S. McDowell lives in Scotland. Joan and her friend meet monthly to pray. They share their worries and answered prayers then spend some time talking to God about those things. They have seen prayers answered over the years and have supported one another through difficult times.

One time, when they met to pray, Joan's friend shared something that was really bothering her. It took her a long time to share her story, and all their time together was used up talking through this one incident. At the end of their time together, her friend was distressed because they had not prayed in their usual way. But throughout her story, she had asked questions, and they had discussed what they thought Christ's response would be.

Joan expressed to her her confidence that God had heard their conversation and was fully aware of the situation. God knew her heart's desire was to honor God in the situation. Just as God had heard the concerns of the Israelites when they were in Egypt, God hears us - before we even speak. Though they had not gone through their usual routine of talking and then praying, Joan knows that God was present with them.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you that you hear our words and know what is on our hearts. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.