It is no light matter. Many people feel that God pays no attention to their prayers. If so, why pray? But the Biblical and historical record of millions would prove otherwise.
IN EGYPT
... the Israelites "sighed because of the bondage and they cried out and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God" (Exodus 2:23). They prayed, and their prayer was real and desperate.
GOD'S RESPONSE
... was real. At a burning bush, God called a man to be a deliverer to them. A reluctant leader named Moses. God begins His dialogue with Moses by assuring him that He hears and answers prayer.
Notice the progression that happened in prayer. Whether the Israelites realized it or not, God tells them what has been going on in heaven as they have prayed.
This is God. He hears, He listens, He is aware, He responds to those who call upon Him. The reason this account is here is to remind you of who God is—to build your faith to believe that the God who heard and answered the Israelite’s cries will hear and answer yours. He's done it for millions, and He will hear your cry right now.
Father, thank You for being a prayer hearing and prayer answering God. Thank You that I am not shouting into the wind as I pray, but connecting with the God who changes everything. Thank You for personally coming and attending to my needs and for inviting me to come again and again, even for my ”daily bread.” Lord, give me grace to keep praying and believing. To trust You so much that I live each day with unceasing prayer.
As a pastor for the last 55 years, I have had the joy of being encouraged and blessed and prayed for by so many people. It is what carries you in your task of shepherding people. As I look back over five decades of ministry, their love has dramatically enriched my life.
But also, a pastor leads. And when anyone leads, there are almost always some who disagree.
