March 27, 2020
God Hears and Answers Prayer
Good morning Fellow Believers,
When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chron 7:13-14 (NIV)
Let me help to put this into proper context. Just prior to this scripture God had appeared to King Solomon. This is what the Lord said. I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices. This promise is for faithful followers. Ultimately this promise was for faithful Israel, however I do believe it still applies to faithful believers today. Let’s break down this promise into 3 sections:
- God sometimes allows negative things to happen to His people (to get our attention).
- If God’s people are willing to do four things – humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. These practices are taught throughout Scripture. It is never wrong to humble ourselves before God, never wrong to go to him in prayer, never wrong to seek Him through his Holy Scripture, and never wrong to repent of our sinfulness.
- God hears and answers.
This is the type of person talked about in the book of James.
Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
Please consider joining me in prayer for our nation.
God bless you brothers and sisters,
Pastor Dennis