January 17, 2024

They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her. And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the LORD.”

1 Samuel 1:19-20

Lord, I thank You today for the blessing of answered prayers. My soul is overwhelmed not by the receipt of what I have asked for, but instead by the knowledge that the God of the universe, Creator of Heaven and Earth, Sustainer and Giver of life, is listening to me and hears me. Whether You respond “yes” or “no” or “wait” is not of the point for me today. That is merely objective evidence of the fact that You listen to me. Lord, this speaks immensely to the love that You have for me. Through Christ I have an intimate relationship that goes beyond just the blessing of answered prayer. In Him I have the confidence of knowing that You not only hear me but await a conversation with me, beckoning me to share with You all of my deepest thoughts and concerns. It is for the joy that comes from being in Your presence, knowing that You hear me and care about what I am going through, that my soul longs to steal away and spend time alone with You. Even when I am amongst a throng of people in the midst of corporate worship, my soul goes to a place of spiritual solitude, where it is just me and You, and there I find my heart’s contentment. Lord, this day my heart falls before Your throne in gratitude for the awesome privilege of being able to speak with You. Thank You for remembering me, hearing me, and speaking back to me. I love You. Amen.