John
1:14; Colossians 1:15-19; John 16:23
The One Who Hears
When you pray, remember the name of the One who hears. Jesus.
Jesus has unimpeachable authority. “He sustains everything by the
mighty power of his command” (Heb. 1:3 NLT). “God exalted him to the highest
place and gave him the name that is above every name” (Phil. 2:9 NIV).
The Roman government tried to intimidate him. False religion tried to
silence him. The devil tried to kill him. All failed. Even “death was no match
for him” (Acts 2:24 MSG).
Jesus “disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them
publicly by his victory over them on the cross” (Col. 2:15 NLT). He was not
kidding when he declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given
to me” (Matt. 28:18 NIV). Jesus is the command center of the galaxies. “Two
sparrows cost only a penny, but not even one of them can die without your
Father’s knowing it” (Matt. 10:29 NCV). He occupies the Oval Office. He called
a coin out of the mouth of a fish. He stopped the waves with a word. He spoke,
and a tree withered. He spoke again, and a basket became a banquet. Economy.
Meteorology. Botany. Food supply. “All things have been handed over to me by my
Father” (Matt. 11:27 NRSV).
When we pray in the name of Jesus, we come to God on the basis of
Jesus’ accomplishment. “Since we have a great high priest [Jesus] over the
house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith”
(Heb. 10:21–22 HCSB). As our high priest, Jesus offers our prayers to God. His
prayers are always heard.
So pray! Since God works, prayer works. Since God is good, prayer is
good. Since you matter to God, your prayers matter in heaven. You’re never
without hope, because you’re never without prayer. And on the occasions you
can’t find the words to say, pull these out of your pocket:
Father,
you are good.
I need help. Heal me and forgive me.
They need help.
Thank you.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Adapted From: The Power of a
Simple Prayer You Version
