Let’s admit that sometimes, after the deepest prayers, a doubt whispers somewhere: “Is anyone really listening?” Does God hear our prayers? Does God really listen?
Yes, sometimes it feels like our prayer is like a note sealed in a bottle and thrown out into the vastness of the cosmic ocean, hoping that God will find it by chance and read it. These doubts give birth to myths about prayer.
Does God hear our prayers?
Today, we want to clarify the joke that God has no time for us, that He is now watching mega-church sermons on TV and listening to worship songs.
Why Is God Invisible?
First of all, it must be emphasized that all doubts arise because we cannot physically see God. So why doesn’t God show up? That would end all doubts and speculations. It would be indisputable that God exists.
This is an essential aspect. If God appeared, there would be no more freedom. Man would be forced to acknowledge God. And where there is no freedom, there is no love.
This is the main reason why we cannot see God. However, God’s position on this issue is clearly expressed: everyone who seeks God will find Him because God does not hide and allows himself to be found. Even more, God shows initiative and goes out in front to meet man.
A God Close at Hand, Not Afar
That feeling of distance between God and man is not correct. The prophet Jeremiah records God’s position very clearly:
“Am I only a God nearby,”
declares the Lord,
“and not a God far away?
Who can hide in secret places
so that I cannot see them?”
declares the Lord.
“Do not I fill heaven and earth?”
declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 23:23-24)
These verses make it clear that God is not somewhere far away. Instead, He fills every space. Therefore, it is as close to us as our own breath. The words of our prayer do not need to travel somewhere in space because God’s heart is next to our heart, and our heart’s cry reaches God’s heart instantly.
Attentive Listener
We often fail to appreciate the actual value of life. It seems these are worthless, boring everyday events or wasted time. Meanwhile, God knows how valuable every second of a person’s life is and how much each life decision or event can determine.
Therefore, in Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus says: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Perhaps the comparison with sparrows does not sound severe enough to us, but it successfully expresses God’s point of view. If God cares about such insignificant things, it is evident that He cares about man, who is created in His image. That is why it is written: “Even all your hair is numbered.”
Whether it’s our most minor worries or our stupidest dreams – they are essential to God, a loving Father. So you can be sure that all your prayers are heard.
Read also: How to pray to God
The Almighty, Moved by the Finite
It is a mystery of God’s love as Creator that He cares for finite individuals. Yes, He does. The Bible’s account of Abraham interceding for the city of Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33) is a perfect example.
Here, we see a mighty God who wants to dialogue with humanity, who heeds Abraham’s words and responds to his prayers. Here, the Creator of all things is not a cosmic dictator but a God who engages in a two-way conversation, values human input, and changes the outcome. God hears our prayers.
The Divine Desire for Relationship
God’s willingness to listen is rooted in His desire for a relationship with us. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
This metaphor illustrates God’s yearning for communion, akin to a friend who visits for dinner. Friends don’t ignore each other; they listen, and they respond. God stands at our life’s door, hoping we invite Him in for a heartfelt conversation.
Read also: Personal Relationship with God
Prayer as a Spiritual Lifeline, Not a Wish List
Prayer is not a covenant with Heaven; prayer is the lifeline between God and our souls. It’s not about presenting a wish list and expecting it all to come true; it’s about aligning our spirit with God’s.
When Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), He highlighted this alignment, anchoring every request within God’s will. As we pray, “Your will be done,” we acknowledge that prayer is not about bending God’s will to ours but submitting our hearts to His divine purposes.
No Divine Distractions
And for those wondering if God might be preoccupied with more ‘important’ matters, remember: God is not human. With unlimited power and knowledge, He doesn’t get overwhelmed by the prayers of billions. 1 John 5:14 assures, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
People can joke that God is busy and has no time for you. But we all realize this will be just ignorant babble and nothing more.
Does God Really Listen?
So, does God really listen? Does God hear our prayers? Absolutely. He’s not distracted, disinterested, or distant. He’s the loving Father, waiting for us to reach out, ever ready to listen.
Our prayers never fade into nothingness; they are heard before they’re even spoken (Psalm 139:4). In knowing this, let every prayer we utter be filled with confidence and hope, for we’re talking directly to the One who shaped the stars yet still cares deeply about the desires of our hearts. Keep praying; He’s listening. He’s not busy watching TV; He’s attuned to you.
