Christ Hears Prayer

~ Jesus Christ Hears Our Prayer & Gives Us Peace ~

The Bible teaches and provides examples of how Jesus Christ listens to the prayers of His people, intercedes on our behalf, and gives us deep inner peace in the midst of the storms of our lives.

Example #1  ~  “On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.’  Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was.  And other little boats were also with Him.  And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.  But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow.  And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’  Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’  And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.  But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful?  How is it that you have no faith?’  And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!’” (Mark 4:35-41).

Observation  ~  At first glance the picture of a sleeping Savior while the disciples were in peril is a strange image.  But the moment they called upon Him He was ready, able, and willing to respond.  A clear implication is that our Savior is never too tired, or too busy with His own needs, to listen to the cries of His people.

Example #2  ~  While on the Cross Jesus Christ suffered beyond what any of us can imagine—and His suffering was for sinners.  He was being mocked and insulted when a sinner who was justly being crucified called out to Him.  “Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.’  But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?  And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’  Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’  And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise’ (Luke 23:39-43).

Observation  ~  In the midst of His suffering He heard the single request of an undeserving sinner—and He responded in love, mercy, and grace to the request.  A clear implication is that He is always ready to respond to even the most feeble and undeserved sincere request from even the worst of sinners.

Don’t Miss This  ~  In both of these examples Christ was at peace.  Even more importantly He tells us, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27-28).

Summary  ~  “Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

the key question: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).  This is the most important question you will ever answer.  If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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