Hearing in Prayer

 

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

—Colossians 4:2

 

Prayer is intimacy with the Father where you hear Him sharing His heart with you. There are no perfect words you can say. The words that He speaks to you are the ones that are perfect. You can share with Him all the little details that concern you, but you don’t have to give Him a long list. He already knows. You can come to the Father in the peace that Jesus has given you in His presence. You can come to Him knowing you will hear and receive what He wishes to reveal to you.

 

“Continuing earnestly in prayer” is being diligent and persevering in spiritually communing with the Father. It is presenting to Him the concerns of your heart and leaving them with Him. It is not begging the Father for His goodness in your life. It is praising the Father for His goodness in your life. Earnestly praying is resting in the faithfulness of His love for you. It is having the confidence that when you pray He hears you. And having heard you, you have what you have asked of Him.

 

The Father is always speaking to you. Seek Him. Listen in anticipation. He speaks in so many different ways. Through the Word. In a still small voice. In something someone says to you. There is no definitive way you hear from Him. His answer never contradicts His Word. This is why it is so important to pray His Word. And to pray His Word, you need to know His Word. His answer is already revealed in His Word., and the Holy Spirit gives the Word life and quickens it to your heart.

 

Yes, you have to be diligent and persevere in prayer. But prayer is not your work. Prayer is the work of the Holy Spirit in you. If prayer was your work, it would be in vain. The Holy Spirit knows what He has placed in your heart, and He prays it best. You surrender in prayer by getting yourself—your feelings—your preconceptions out of the way. 

 

What is on your heart today? You can pray specifically believing for your answer when you know what the Father has said in His Word. When His will is not known, you can pray and receive His answer in your heart from the Holy Spirit. 

 

Come confidently to the throne of grace—come in the assurance that you shall hear from the Father and receive His grace to help in time of your need. 

 

 

© 2023 Lynn Lacher

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