Our Scripture for today is Psalms 116:2
“Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.”
In this short verse of only 17 words, we find the truths about a great prayer life.
#1. God Listens Intently:
“Because he turned his ear to me” (Psalms 116:2, NIV). These words paint a vivid picture of a loving and attentive God. Imagine the Creator of the universe leaning in, his ear inclined towards you, listening intently to your every word and the whispers of your heart. God is not just listening; he is leaning into our whispered thoughts. God pays unwavering attention to our prayers. He is not distant or aloof; He is ever-present, ready to hear our cries and petitions.
#2. Prayer as a Lifelong Practice:
The Psalmist promises, “I will call on him as long as I live.” Prayer is not a fleeting moment but a lifelong journey. The psalmist’s commitment to pray throughout his entire life underscores the idea that prayer is an ongoing practice, an unbreakable thread connecting us to our Creator. It’s not a one-time event but a continuous conversation with the Divine. In every season of life, in moments of joy and sorrow, in times of abundance and scarcity, prayer remains our steadfast practice.
#3. Prayer is a Personal Relationship:
The verse places strong emphasis on the personal nature of our relationship with God. Notice the frequent use of “I” and “me.” It reminds us that our faith and prayer come from deeply personal relationships. Our connection with God is unique, and He longs for us to approach Him individually, just as we are. In our deepest struggles and our highest triumphs, God is there, ready to hear our hearts poured out in prayer.
#4. Why We Pray:
As I read and reread this verse, I learn both why we pray and why we fail to pray. We pray because we know He hears us. Doubt in God’s attentiveness will kill our prayer life. Those who believe that God is distant or uninterested may struggle to approach Him in prayer.
In conclusion, may we echo the psalmist’s commitment, calling on Him “as long as we live,” knowing that our prayers are cherished by the One who turns His ear to us.
Lonnie Davis