Aug 04 – The God Who Hears Our Prayers!

“I have heard your prayer and your supplication that you have made before Me.” (1 Kings 9:3)

As a young man, Solomon loved the Lord wholeheartedly and built a magnificent temple for Him. At its dedication, he offered a long and earnest prayer, recorded in 1 Kings 8:22–53. It was a simple prayer, poured out from an open heart. Such heartfelt communion with God is always meaningful, and it never goes unanswered.

Solomon’s petition was this: “Lord, whenever anyone comes to this temple with a broken heart and cries out to You in prayer, may Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to their supplication.”

He prayed that the Lord would hear the prayers of people who sought Him from every circumstance – whether it was a sinner, a backslider, a poor man suffering from famine, or someone defeated by enemies. He prayed that God would answer those who looked toward His temple during times of drought, plague, or any other affliction. What joy it must have brought Solomon when the Lord graciously accepted his prayer and promised to hear the cries of His people!

Dear children of God, whenever you come to the Lord’s house with a broken spirit, kneel before His altar, and pour out your heart in tears, He will surely hear and answer your prayer. He never passes by, ignoring the tears of His children. Your tears are precious to Him – they are kept in His bottle. In His tender compassion, He will surely perform a miracle on your behalf.

Some years ago, a wicked man fabricated falsified registration documents, unlawfully seized another person’s house, and sold it to a group of violent criminals. The suffering endured by the rightful owner was beyond description. He faced relentless threats, intimidation, and fear.

One day, someone telephoned him and abused him with offensive words. Deeply distressed, he went straight to the house of God, spread the false documents before the Lord, and prayed with a broken heart.

Praise the Lord! God heard the voice of his supplication. The Lord spoke to him, saying, “My son, do not be afraid. I have called you to tread down mountains. Why are you fearful of mere mounds of earth?” From that moment, the problem was resolved.

Dear children of God, what burden is piercing your heart today? What mountain-like problem stands before you? Bring it into the presence of the Lord. Pour your heart out before Him. The God who heard Solomon’s prayer still hears the cries of His children.

Today, the Egyptians whom you see – the trials and adversaries that trouble you – you shall see no more. The Lord will deliver you from the hands of all the wicked.

Verse for further meditation: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.” (Psalm 23:5)