2/06/2009

Jesus Hears...

When You Speak, God Hears
by Max Lucado

Those who pray keep alive the watch fires of faith. For the most part we don't even know their names. Such is the case of someone who prayed on a day long ago. His name is not important. He is important not because of who he was, but because of what he did.

He went to Jesus on behalf of a friend. His friend was sick, and Jesus could help, and someone needed to go to Jesus, so someone went. Others cared for the sick man in other ways. Some brought food; others provided treatment; still others comforted the family. Each role was crucial. Each person was helpful, but no one was more vital than the one who went to Jesus.

John writes: "So Mary and Martha sent someone to tell Jesus, 'Lord, the one you love is sick'" (John 11:3, emphasis mine).

Someone carried the request. Someone walked the trail. Someone went to Jesus on behalf of Lazarus. And because someone went, Jesus responded.

In the economy of heaven, the prayers of saints are a valued commodity. John the apostle would agree. He wrote the story of Lazarus and was careful to show the sequence: The healing began when the request was made.

The phrase the friend of Lazarus used is worth noting. When he told Jesus of the illness, he said, "The one you love is sick." The power of the prayer, in other words, does not depend on the one who makes the prayer but on the one who hears the prayer.

We can and must repeat the phrase in manifold ways. "The one you love is tired, sad, hungry, lonely, fearful, depressed." The words of the prayer vary, but the response never changes. The Savior hears the prayer. He silences heaven so he won't miss a word. The Master heard the request. Jesus stopped whatever he was doing and took note of the man's words. This anonymous courier was heard by God.

John's message is critical. You can talk to God because God listens. Your voice matters in heaven. He takes you very seriously. When you enter his presence, the attendants turn to you to hear your voice. No need to fear that you will be ignored. Even if you stammer or stumble, even if what you have to say impresses no one, it impresses God--and he listens.

Intently. Carefully. The prayers are honored as precious jewels. Purified and empowered, the words rise in a delightful fragrance to our Lord. "The smoke from the incense went up from the angel's hand to God" (Rev. 8:4). Incredible. Your words do not stop until they reach the very throne of God.

One call and heaven's fleet appears. Your prayer on earth activates God's power in heaven.

You are the someone of God's kingdom. Your prayers move God to change the world. You may not understand the mystery of prayer. You don't need to. But this much is clear: Actions in heaven begin when someone prays on earth. What an amazing thought!

When you speak, Jesus hears.

And when Jesus hears, the world is changed.

All because someone prayed.

From
For These Tough Times:
Reaching Toward Heaven for Hope and Healing

6 comments:

  1. Myriam, you have provoked a thought in me. You are so right and I only read the story once and now I'm having an ephiphany. I have been sending prayer request up to heaven on behalf of my sister and now your post has caused me to send it in a new way.

    Jesus, the one you love is sick. She needs you and she is hurting, lost and confused. She feels alone and she doesn't know that if she calls on you in stillness with her whole heart that you will come to her. It may not be the answer that she is seeking, but you will not ignore her.

    I pray these things in Christ name, AMEN!

    Thank you sister-friend.
    Love you.
    PS, your son just may turn out to be a stand up comic (smile)

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  2. Hello there-

    I join you in praying for your sister dear one. I am so-so glad that He hears.

    You are so right about my 9 year old because if he's around - people have to laugh.
    Much love to you

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  3. yes, prayer is vital! I can't think of a day without it.

    thanks for commenting on my blog about my honey and me (((blush blush)))

    I also like reading about your Bible verse memorazation. It's encouraging. I've just added John: 14:27 to my heart.

    hugs and luv In Him,
    Deanna

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  4. Sister Myriam,

    What a timely post on prayer, I was just telling my 22 year old daughter that there is POWER IN PRAYER.

    We as parents must teach our children at all times that they must seek GODS FACE, and that the only way to communicate with him is through prayer.

    Excellent post, right on time.


    GOD Bless~~~

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  5. Jesus "Heard us" I spoke with my sister yesterday and she sounded hopeful. She also called me back later to tell me that she found a job and starts on MONDAY!

    Amazing Grace, how sweeeeet the sound!

    Love ya.

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  6. Free Spirit - How great and awesome is our God. Praise you Father you heard us and He showed up in a mighty way. May the 'dear sister' rejoice in you.

    Love you.

    ReplyDelete