Praise is rightfully yours, God, in Zion; All humanity will come to you, the one who hears prayer. Psalms 65:1a-2 CSB

You answer us in righteousness with awe-inspiring works, God of our salvation, the hope of the ends of the earth and of the distant seas. Psalms 65:5 CSB

Jesus commands us in Matthew to ask, seek, and knock. When we do our part, the asking, seeking, and knocking, today’s first verse assures us that our God is not only the One who hears our prayers, but also answers them. Not “one of many”, but the only One. All people will come to God because He is the One who hears our prayers.

Our second verse assures us that when we do pray, God not only hears, but answers us. The Psalmist, David, says that God answers us in righteousness with mighty works. God is our salvation and the hope of all the earth. God, who created the world, who is robed in strength, answers your prayers, my prayers, and all those who pray to Him.

God has answered many prayers for me and my family. Answered with protection and peace, with healing and health, with comfort and care, and with “awe-inspiring works.” I am remembering a blog post from April of 2020 when our black lab, Traveler, was diagnosed with mast cell cancer and given less than a year to live. God answered our prayers. Traveler is clear of her cancer, with no cancer treatments, just God’s healing, and is with us still today. Thank You, God!

One other “awe-inspiring” answer to prayer was when I had been promoted to itinerant teacher for the county to work with special education students. I observed and recommended students for placement into special classes as well as students who were being mainstreamed back into regular classrooms. I drove many miles each day as there were over 100 schools in the county. I always asked God for protection.

I was meeting with a mainstreamed high school student who was blind. During our session, he asked if I was ok. I was a bit surprised but told him I was fine. He said, “You haven’t said anything for over five minutes!” What? I was concerned! I spoke with my family doctor who recommended I see a neurologist. I was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy! Needless to say, I was no longer an itinerant teacher.  God had had answered my prayers and protected me all those miles on the road, with epilepsy. Thank You, God!

This week, think of a time when God answered your prayers with or without awe-inspiring works. Thank God for all His answers to your prayers. Thank Him for His grace and provision, for His peace and love. Then share your story with someone else because our God is the One who hears our prayers!

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we take our prayers to the One true God who hears.

Blessings and answered prayers!