“You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” – Jeremiah 29:12

Yesterday I had to drive to Denver for a doctor’s appointment. That sentence involves two of my very least favorite things: driving to Denver and going to the doctor. You combine them both together and it doesn’t make for a very good day. Most of the time, when I go to the doctor, I feel like they always have one eye on me and one eye on the clock. They are trying to listen, but in reality, they have to make sure they move on to the next patient as soon as possible. This doesn’t make me feel very important or valued…especially when I have driven almost two hours through the worst traffic in Colorado for a fifteen-minute appointment. I would like to have their undivided attention, at least for those fifteen minutes.

The truth is, no matter who we are talking to, we all just want to be heard. We want to know that the person in front of us is, at least for the moment, giving us their undivided attention. But unfortunately, this is rare. And the more important, intelligent, and powerful a person is, the more unlikely it is that they will give us any time at all. With that thought in mind, how incredible is it that the most important, intelligent, and powerful being in all the universe has promised to hear us?! God himself has promised to give us his undivided attention when we come to him in prayer. And yet, we take that for granted and very seldom approach him. Do you need to be heard? Do you need someone to listen to your worries, fears, frustrations, and struggles? Then bring them to your Heavenly Father. Not only does he listen, but he can’t wait to hear from you! Just like the old hymn tells us, “Are we weak and heavy-laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge—Take it to the Lord in prayer.”

Heavenly Father, thank You so much for being the One who is always listening and always attentive to our prayers. Thank You for hearing our cries, our joys, our anger, and our fears. Forgive us for taking this fact for granted and forgetting to bring everything before You. Let us always find peace in Your ever-listening ear.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon