When faced with difficult decisions or in times of real trouble or fear, many people will instinctively cry out to God for help. When we are faced with the reality of our own weakness it is natural to seek help from someone who is infinitely stronger and more powerful than ourselves.
But many of us are not sure that God is really listening to us. Will he hear us? And if he does, will it make any difference? The bible assures us that God does indeed listen to us.
He who implanted the ear, won’t he hear? He who formed the eye, won’t he see? (Psalm 94 verse 9)
In fact, God is far more eager to listen to us than we are to speak to him. And when we speak to God we do not need to use special words. God is far more interested in our honesty and openness than he is in our eloquence. A sincere groan to God is worth more than any number of lengthy formal prayers. When Jesus was asked by his followers how to pray, he gave them a very simple example. He taught them to acknowledge who God is, to let God in to their lives, to trust in God for what they need, to seek forgiveness for the wrongs they had done and to ask for God’s help for the future.
The experience of Christians down the centuries and still today is that prayer makes a huge difference. God does not always take away all our difficulties but he promises to be with us in them and to help us through them. Talking to God honestly and knowing that he is listening to every word can give us great comfort and strength.
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4 verses 6-7)
You can pray wherever you are, not only in church. But many find it helpful to pray with others – you are welcome to join us any Sunday at 10:30am or 6:30pm.