He Hears and Listens – The Presidential Prayer Team

Because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. – Luke 11:8

Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel not only to prove that God is the great “I AM” but to invoke the people of Israel to quit “limping between two different opinions. If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21). Though the idol’s prophets called to Baal for hours to accept their offering, it was to no avail. Elijah then prepared an altar and spoke to God Almighty, saying, “Let it be known this day that you are God,” and fire fell immediately from heaven and consumed his offering and the stones upon which it lay (vv. 36-38).

God the Father’s response to prayer is contrasted with human response in a parable Jesus told of a person who implored his friend with impertinent persistence for help at midnight. The friend finally responded and complied with the inconvenient request (Luke 11:5-8). J. Vernon McGee wrote, “You do not have to storm the gate of heaven to get God to answer your prayer.” The Lord has not gone to bed as the man at midnight nor as Elijah accused Baal. He is very much awake and attentive to you.

The Father never views the prayers of His children as bothersome. His answer may be delayed, or He may say no because you do not ask for what is best, but He always hears and listens. As you reach out in prayer, search your heart and make sure you are coming to Him with the humility, respect, and love due Him.

Then pray for the people of this nation who are limping along in darkness. Intercede for their hearts to be convicted to know the God who answers prayer.

Today’s Verse: Luke 11:8

I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Daniel 9:17-23

¹⁷Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. ¹⁸O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. ¹⁹O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.”

²⁰While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, ²¹while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice. ²²He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, “O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. ²³At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.