Scripture: “And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.” – Jonah 2:2
Examination: As a prophet of the Lord, Jonah had been given the task to warn the people of Nineveh of the coming judgement of God. Jonah chose to disregard the command, and he fled to Tarshish. When a fierce storm threatened to destroy the ship on which Jonah found passage, the sailors ultimately tossed him overboard. After he is swallowed by a great fish, he prays from inside the belly of the whale and miraculously, God hears him and delivers him.
Application: When my children were youngsters, I could usually differentiate their voices above others when we were in a crowded environment like the playground, the schoolyard, or someplace similar where lots of other children were excitedly talking. However, when they were a bit older and played a bit farther away, I didn’t always hear them calling out to show me something they’d found or a new trick they’d learned until they waved their hands and got my attention.
Fortunately, God always hears us when we call out to Him. The Bible tells us, “But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.” (Psalm 4:3). No matter where I am or where I go, God is always able to hear my voice, and each time I call out to Him, He listens as if I were the only one praying! 1 Peter 3:12 affirms that God hears His children. “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers:” In fact, God loves us so much that He wants to hear from us constantly! Here is what He says in His Word.
- “Pray without ceasing.” – I Thessalonians 5:17
- “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;” – Colossians 4:2
- “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” – Romans 12:12
- “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” – Ephesians 6:18
In a world where the busyness of life often gets in the way of us really listening to one another, it is good to know that God never is too busy to hear us when we pray.
Memory Verse: “Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.” – Jeremiah 29:12
Trouble knockin' on your window pane, stormy weather at your door
And the outlook for the day ahead like the day before
People tell you prayin' changes things, but the words don't stop the fear
The prayer is only pious rambling without a Father's ear
He will not turn away when His people pray
When God's people pray and take the pains of earth to the doors of Heaven
When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven
And miracles you can't explain away when God' people pray
(from “When God’s People Pray” by Wayne Watson)