Son #2 is Simeon, “heard”

God hears prayer.  That is the overwhelming testimony of Scripture.  From the beginning of Genesis when Adam “walked with God in the cool of the garden,” to Revelation when the “prayers of the saints” are poured out as incense on the earth, prayer expressed God’s longing and love to be with His people.

We must approach prayer from these two foundational truths:  God hears us, and God loves us.  Beginning with these simple steps like a little child, we are ushered into the presence of a welcoming, Almighty, Heavenly Father who delights to listen to the cries of His people.

We are not bothering, begging, manipulating, or cajoling God do answer our prayers.  Instead, we must begin with faith that “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

So many Christians never even reach this first foundational stage of prayer whereby they enjoy coming to God and look forward to His love coming to them in the process.  Our Husband will love us.  There can be no doubt.  Like a bridegroom passionately desiring the affection of the bride, Jesus is referred to throughout the Scriptures as our beloved Husband who jealously longs for intimacy and love with us.

Have you settled this truth in your heart?  You are heard by God, and you are loved by Him, passionately.  This relation is the foundation of a steady and intimate prayer life.  1 John 5:14 says, “We have this confidence before Him, that whatever we ask Him, He hears.”

Hearing and loving are actions intertwined within this mystery of husband and wife that mirrors our intimacy with Christ.  Our spouses love to just be heard, and in hearing them we are loving them.  God as well is patient in His listening ear to the bride.  He does not disdain or dismiss her concerns, but “will avenger His elect who call out to Him day and night.”  God’s listening ear is the most privileged part of prayer.

As a young believer, and even as a seasoned “prayer warrior,” this posture of prayer is one we should master above all others.  Come to God as the loving Husband willing to hear your cries, and you will come from God more loved and secure that your needs will be met.  Love is the foundation of all successful interactions, particularly that of prayer.