Today’s Reading: John 17:6-10
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.”
* * * * *
Here, Jesus gives you a powerful promise from his heart to yours. It should give you great comfort and hope.
What is that promise? He is praying for you and your needs right now.
This is not a promise for those who don’t believe in him and don’t claim the power of his name. He is not praying for them.
But for those who know him and have received his gift of forgiveness, he is constantly praying for them before the Father. What you ask, in his name, he takes to the Father. He hears every one of your prayers and responds according to his perfect will. He knows every single need you have even before you present it to him.
What should you do if you don’t know how to pray and what to ask for? The Spirit understands your heart. He will rightly interpret your needs.
He will then express your needs to the Father. Indeed, the Spirit and the Son are both making intercession for you. That should lift your heart when you feel overwhelmed and don’t know how to pray.
Don’t let your heart be troubled. Don’t fear. Don’t fret over evildoers. Don’t be anxious about anything. Can your worries add even a single moment to your life? Can they add an inch to your height? Worry dominates the lives of those who don’t believe in the Lord.
Rather, take courage. There is something you can do to address your problems.
What is it? Come to Jesus in prayer. He already knows all your needs. Make your requests known to him and sprinkle them with thanksgiving. Be thankful for all he has given to you. Remember and be thankful for previously answered prayers. Make a list if you need to.
Give all your cares to the Lord, for he cares about you. Let him carry them. He is able to do so. Experience the peace that passes understanding. It’s given to you through Jesus—the one who is carrying your load, the one who takes your prayers to the Father.
He might answer yes. Or maybe you’ll need to wait. Perhaps God has a better plan. What appears to be a no is God’s perfect, sovereign care for you.
But he will respond. He hears and answers every request made to him.
Trust him.
Know that the response will be enveloped in perfect love.
And one day, you will understand his perfect answer.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]