Our Prayers, Heard and Answered
Today’s Verses:
Luke 11:11-13 ESV
(Jesus said) “What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
In our daily personal prayers, we consistently seek guidance from our Heavenly Father. We can ask for spiritual direction, assistance for ourselves or our loved ones, or even peace amidst our world’s troubles. Regardless of our prayers, we find solace in knowing that God hears our requests and responds to us.
However, it’s important to understand that God’s answers may not align with our desires. Instead, He responds in the most beneficial manner possible. I vividly recall a time when my mother was battling lung cancer in 1990. I fervently prayed for her recovery, hoping she would return home. God’s response was to take her to His side.
My mother was in a critical state. She had uncontrolled Type 1 diabetes, compounded by the cancer she was fighting. Her kidneys and liver were failing. Instead of healing her, God believed that the challenges she was facing were insurmountable for her and her family. He chose to take her home to peace.
At that time, I believed God was disregarding my prayers and those of others who were seeking her recovery. However, God’s act of taking my mother to heaven revealed a love that I couldn’t comprehend. He didn’t want her to endure any further suffering. He brought her home to eternal peace. In fact, God answered my prayers because I didn’t want my mother to be sick or to endure the struggles of cancer and diabetes any longer. I expressed my gratitude for the faith that guided her to eternal life.
Similarly, in 2020, my father’s health deteriorated rapidly due to a severe brain disease. Knowing that my father, once an altar server on the path to becoming a priest when he lived in Italy, was taken to our Father’s side where he is now at peace forever is a blessing. Of course, I would cherish the presence of both my parents, offering me their advice and guidance whenever I needed it. But God knew what was best for them and for me.
That’s why we pray. We entrust our concerns to our Heavenly Father, and He responds in the most favorable manner for us. Throughout this journey, we remain steadfast in our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, trusting in God’s unwavering guidance.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious Father, I know You hear and answer my prayers. In those times when I don’t see the answer I want, guide me by Your Spirit to see the good portion You provide. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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