November 3

Morning

“Get up!” the Lord told him. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. — Acts 9:11 BSB

Prayers are instantly heard in heaven. The moment Saul began to pray, the Lord heard him. This is comforting for the troubled soul that prays. Often, a broken-hearted person kneels, only able to express their sorrow through sighs and tears. Yet even that groan has filled heaven with music; that tear has been captured by God and treasured. “You put all my tears into Your bottle,” means they are kept as they fall.

The person who groans through their prayers is fully understood by God. Even if they only glance upward with tear-filled eyes, their prayer is in those tears. Tears are the jewels of heaven! Sighs are part of the music in God’s presence, and they are counted among the most beautiful sounds that reach His throne.

Don’t think that your weak or trembling prayer goes unnoticed. Jacob’s ladder may be tall, but our prayers lean on the Angel of the covenant and ascend its starry heights.

Our God not only hears prayer, but He delights in it. “He does not forget the cry of the humble.” He has no regard for proud looks or fancy words. He isn’t impressed by the splendor of kings or the sound of marching bands. He pays no attention to human pride or triumph. But wherever there is a heart filled with sorrow, a quivering lip in pain, a deep groan, or a humble sigh, God’s heart is open! He remembers that prayer, preserving it like rose petals pressed between the pages of His book of remembrance. And when that book is opened, the fragrance will fill the air!

Evening

Then the priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard their voice, and their prayer came into His holy dwelling place in heaven. — 2 Chr 30:27 BSB

Prayer is a Christian’s constant refuge in any situation, no matter the circumstance. When you can’t wield a sword, you can still turn to the weapon of prayer. Your gunpowder may be wet, your bowstring may snap, but the weapon of prayer is always ready. Leviathan may laugh at a javelin, but he trembles at prayer. Swords and spears need sharpening, but prayer never dulls; and when we think it’s at its weakest, it’s often at its sharpest. Prayer is an open door that no one can shut! Demons may surround you on all sides, but the way upward is always clear, and as long as that path remains open, you won’t fall into enemy hands. You can never be overtaken as long as help from heaven reaches you in your time of need.

Prayer is never out of season—it’s valuable in summer and winter alike. Prayer gains access to God in the dead of night, during the rush of business, in the heat of midday, or the quiet of evening. Whatever your condition—poverty, sickness, obscurity, slander, or sin—your covenant God welcomes your prayer and will answer it from His holy place.

Prayer is never wasted. True prayer is true power. You may not always get exactly what you ask for, but your real needs will always be met. When God doesn’t answer according to the letter, He answers in the spirit. If you ask for rough bread, will you be upset if He gives you the finest flour? If you ask for health, should you be disappointed if instead He heals your soul’s sickness? Isn’t it better to have your affliction sanctified than removed? Tonight, my soul, don’t forget to bring your petitions, for the Lord is ready to fulfill your desires!