NIV 365-Day Devotional Plan (2017)Sample

GOD HEARS

In his hour of need, the psalmist prayed to God for help because he believed that God listens and responds. The psalmist’s hope was not disappointed. The psalmist thanked the Lord with praises in the remainder of his song. Jesus likewise expressed confidence in the truth that God hears when he raised Lazarus from the dead: “Then Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.’ When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out” (Jn 11:41 – 44). Notice that Jesus expressed thanks to God before God had even answered because he was so sure that his Father would hear and respond. Throughout the Bible, God urges his people to pray with confidence that he will listen and respond (Pr 15:29; Jer 29:12; Mk 11:24; 1Jn 5:14). Once they ask, he faithfully answers, and their appropriate response (like that of the psalmist and of Christ) should be thankful praise!

Jesus, in my hour of need, help me to always turn to you first, because you always hear me and you never disappoint. I thank you for answering my prayers—the ones I’ve already prayed and the ones I haven’t even thought of yet. Amen.

Taken from NIV The Jesus Bible