How I Know He Hears

Today I am thankful for: snuggle time alone with Dman this morning while everyone else slept, the electric throw on the couch, clean floors and carpets (woot!), Darrin's meltdown as we left Walmart (ok, so I'm more thankful that I was peaceful the whole tirade and actually able to laugh a bit when he wasn't looking), my crazy little girl running and hollering through the house, 5 loads of laundry done, the kids eating well all day today, Madi's enthusiastic greeting for Daddy when he arrived home from work, listening to Darrin explain to Josh how to play a game on the DS (a game that Josh taught Darrin how to play a while back, lol), bedtime prayers, a quiet night.

I've been praying an awful lot lately.  Part of it is that I'm really trying to tune into God and make praying like breathing; the other part is that there's just a lot to pray about!  I've mainly been praying for my dad as he continues to go through the stages of congestive heart failure and kidney failure that are alarming.  I've been praying for my mom and siblings as they care for him.  I've been praying for myself as I sort out my emotions and know that prayer is the only way I can help.  I've been praying for family, friends, acquaintances, and people I don't even know.  It's not too hard to dig up the hard times and sad events, but I also am mindful of simply praising my God throughout the day for all the little things, all the joy that I know expressly because of His grace and mercy.

So tonight as I read Daniel I was truly comforted and encouraged by the response to Daniel's prayers.  Daniel was faithful in coming before the Lord three times a day to pray and petition Him.  He prayed for his people knowing that they fully deserved the punishment they were due yet asking God to stay His hand. He truly humbled himself before the Lord and loved Him with all his heart and might.  And in the midst of a vision Daniel received from the Lord he spoke with an angel (maybe Gabriel) who said these amazing words, "Then he said to me, 'Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.'" (Daniel 10:12)  The angel said to Daniel that because he submitted himself humbly to the Lord the Lord heard his prayers.  He hears us!  I have never doubted that, though some do, but I know He hears those who are humble of heart and seeking His will.

Another verse that astounded me was earlier in chapter 9 where Daniel had been praying for himself and the people of Israel, and Gabriel appeared before him to give him "understanding" regarding what we call the "seventy weeks" prophecy.  Telling Daniel that he had come to bring understanding, Gabriel said, "At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved..." (Daniel 9:23)  That's just incredible to me!  At the beginning of my prayers God begins to move!  He hears me and loves me, and even though I may not see or hear immediately, that doesn't mean God isn't listening or moving on my behalf.

I can't tell you how encouraged I am in my prayer life right now.  Things don't always go the way I want them to, and sometimes the peace I feel is from knowing God is in control and sovereign, not that things are going to turn out the way I expect.  I felt this almost exactly one year ago as my first cousin was deathly ill in a hospital; I had cried, prayed, and begged God to spare her, then was flooded with peace.  The next morning I found she had passed away and I was so confused--why did I go to bed with such peace the night before if this was His will that she die leaving 2 young daughters?  I cannot explain His will and won't try, but knowing that I stand in awe of His glory and sovereignty I expect no less than to have perfect peace no matter what the circumstance or outcome if peace is what I ask of Him.

So tonight Gabriel's words bring me hope and joy--I know that my prayers are not in vain!  God hears them!  He may not "stay His hand" or give in to my begging, but He hears me and brings me comfort.  I pray that I might always be humbled before Him and able to stand in awe of His glory, lifting His name in praise even when most would curse Him.  For now I will continue to lift my petitions high before Him, seeking His will in ALL things, and asking for peace and comfort to help me praise His ways even when I don't understand them.

Father, You know my heart. I've come before You in joy and sorrow, with laughter and tears.  Much of the time I've been silent in Your presence letting my heart speak what my mouth cannot.  I am so thankful that I can come before You all day in all things!  Thank you that my lips speak Your praise even when I want to cry in selfish pity.  I thank You, Daddy, that I can be honest before You, completely transparent and open to Your Spirit as You read my heart and know my mind.  You succeed where my words fail, and I pray that my words might be few before You so that I don't dishonor You or lift up my own heart before You.  Thank you for the peace that You give, a peace that floods my heart and fills my soul when I need it the most.  Father, I pray that you'd help me to be silent, listening for Your voice, Your answer.  I know You speak to us just as surely as I know You hear us!  Help me to quiet my soul and wait for You so that my ways might be on Your path, bringing You glory in all that I do.  Thank You for Gabriel's words to Daniel, Your words to me tonight.  You, alone, are worthy of praise!  You are great and mighty, Lord Jesus!  Help me to draw close to You, Father, closer everyday, prayer by prayer.  In Jesus' mighty name I pray, Amen!