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Psalm 18:6   In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help.  From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.

What a wonderful reminder this is from King David: that our God is always in his temple, listening for our voice and hearing our prayers.

Often his providence leaves us a bit confused about why things are the way they are – but later in this Psalm, the King will assure us that, even if the answer we get to our prayers is not what we had been waiting and hoping for, “his way is perfect” (verse 30).  It is so comforting to reflect on the fact that two things are true: our prayers have always been heard; and, whatever the outcome, it is God’s will for us, and his way is perfect!

Yes, while I might need a special outpouring of the fruit of patience to wait to get the full story, he can provide that too.

Moreover, I have a clear view of two things that Israel’s King could only peer at, as through a mist: there is a Holy Spirit who can translate even the deepest groanings of my heart into eloquent prayers to my listening Heavenly Father (Romans 8:26-27); and I have a Saviour who died in my place and who rose again, conquering death itself, and who, even now, pleads at the throne of grace as my High Priest, my advocate when I pray to my loving, compassionate, all-powerful Father in Heaven (Hebrews 4:14-16).

“Before the throne of God above I have a strong, a perfect plea: a Great High Priest, whose name is ‘Love’, who ever lives and pleads for me. … When Satan tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within, upward I look, and see him there who put an end to all my sin. … Behold him there: the Risen Lamb, my perfect, sinless Righteousness, the great unchangeable ‘I AM’, the King of Glory and of Grace.  One with my Lord, I cannot die, my soul is purchased by his blood, my life is safe with Christ on high, with Christ, my Saviour and my God” (Charitie Lees de Chenez).

“Approach, my soul, the mercy seat, where Jesus answers prayer; there humbly fall before his feet, for none can perish there.  Thy promise is my only plea, with this I venture nigh; thou callest burdened souls to thee, and such, O Lord, am I. … … Be thou my shield and hiding place, that, sheltered near thy side, I may my fierce accuser face, and tell him thou hast died!  O wondrous love!  To bleed and die, to bear the cross and shame, that guilty sinners, such as I, might plead thy gracious name! (John Newton).

Why don’t I pray more?!

– Bruce Christian