God Hears Our Prayers—Even When He Seems Silent
The summer air was thick with humidity as we made our way into the wilderness. Hemlocks breathed their pungent, piney scent, and the river rolled along casually—inviting us into the clear, cool water. I had no idea this backpacking trip with a friend was about to become a lifelong reminder that God hears our prayers.
We reached our campsite and erected our tent as storm clouds gathered overhead. With the invincibility of 25-year-olds, we didn’t worry about the ominous clouds and ran to the river for a swim as soon as the tent was in place.
After a short swim, the thunderous clouds descended upon us, and heaven unleashed in all its fury. I had stashed my Bible under a rock outcropping by the river and was planning to soak in my favorite Psalms after our swim. I decided to wait out the storm beneath the rock ledge while my friend ran back to the tent.
As we waited for the storm to pass in our respective shelters, I rested beneath the safety of the rock and talked to God about my life. I told him about everything that felt stressful and expressed a deep desire to encounter him in new and intimate ways. I then pulled out my Bible. The words in front of me seemed to be written specifically for my stormy moment by the river.
God Hears Our Prayers
My bookmark was placed at Psalm 97. The beginning of the Psalm included the following words: “The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad. Clouds and thick darkness surround him. His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles” (v. 1, 2, 4 NIV).
It seemed the Lord was speaking to me directly. He was showing me his glory and simultaneously revealing himself to me through his Word and his creation. I felt seen, heard, and known. The Psalm was a reminder that God hears my prayers and cares about my worries.
When the storm passed, I hurried to the tent to tell my friend about my divine encounter. Before I could speak, she said, “Listen to what I just read in my Bible!” Sure enough, she began reading the words of Psalm 97.
Years later, when I need to be reminded that God hears my prayers, I remember that stormy camping trip. I remind myself that God hears every cry of my heart. He doesn’t always reveal himself through serendipitous encounters, but he hears his children.
Bible Verses About God Hearing Our Prayers
Let’s soak in these words about God’s promise to hear the prayers of his children:
1. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17
2. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15
3. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24
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You might wonder if God hears you. Maybe you feel like he has forgotten you. Don’t lose heart. God has not forgotten you, and he hears your cries. He is waiting to reveal himself to you.
God has not forgotten you, and he hears your cries. He is waiting to reveal himself to you. #GodsLove #GodHears #Prayer Share on X
An Invitation to Connect With God in Prayer:
Writing our prayers can help us keep track of the ways God responds to our cries. Today, spend a few minutes quieting yourself with the Lord. When your mind feels quiet, write about a need that is heavy on your heart today.
You might write in your journal or start a prayer file on your computer or phone. After writing this request to God, thank him for hearing you. Trust him to answer in his perfect timing. I encourage you to start a habit of regularly writing your prayers. You will create space to see God’s hand in motion.
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