You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.
[Psa 139:4 NLT]
As an introvert, I am not a fan of talking on the phone. When I was a teenager there were a couple friends with whom I could talk for hours on the phone, but in reality – they talked and I listened. Over the years I started pushing phone conversations away, to the point that I didn’t even do well in positions where I had to answer the phone. I have even been known to screen calls, no matter who is calling, because there are some days when a phone call is too taxing to consider.
God loves to hear from us. Thankfully, He doesn’t screen His calls from us! We have a direct line to God through his Son, Jesus. I used to think that I had to pray out loud for God to hear me. However, if that was the case, there are many in this world who would never reach Him due to speaking difficulties.
A pastor I follow told a story about leading a man, who had suffered a stroke, in the sinner’s prayer. The pastor knew this man could not talk so he told him God could still hear him. When they were ready to pray, the man squeezed the pastor’s hand. When they were done, this man who had not uttered a sound in at least a year opened his mouth and sounded out with joy! [Calvary Chapel Harbour, End Time Victory]
How did this happen? God hears our thoughts! He knows everything we are thinking. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. [Psa 139:2 NLT]
We can talk with Him in any way that works. There are many nights where I am so tired, or in so much pain, that talking out loud is difficult. Those nights I pray in my mind. And, when I can’t voice my thoughts, the Holy Spirit does it for me. And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. [Rom 8:26 NLT]
Some might pray by writing – in journals, poems, and other forms of written expression. How about those who are gifted in art such as drawing or painting? I can easily see them expressing their prayers that way. Many Christ following musicians probably use song and instruments as methods of prayer.
Yes, speaking God’s name out loud is good for rebuking – telling evil to flee, because evil cannot hear our thoughts. But, God can make evil flee even if we cannot speak out loud. When you reach out, no matter the method, He hears you. He wants to hear from us, so find the way that works for you!
| Verses |
| For I [know] their works and their thoughts. It shall be that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and see My glory. [Isa 66:18 NKJV] For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [Heb 4:12 NKJV] |
| Music |
| God Who Listens (Audio) ft. Thomas Rhett – Chris Tomlin God Hears – NewSong Hear Us From Heaven (with Lyrics) – Jared Anderson Where I Find God (Official Music Video) – Larry Fleet Talking to God – Ricky van Shelton |
Prayer Day 93: Joy