then will I hear from heaven
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Recently I heard of a vision that a man of God was given, which beautifully illustrates what happens when we pray. Myriads of angels surround God’s throne, worshiping Him day and night. When a Christian prays, it’s as though a tiny door opens at the end of a long aisle leading to the throne. The Christian emerges through the doorway, and begins to walk towards God. Angels pause in their praises, poised on the edge of their seats, holding their breath, waiting to hear what this one who was created in God’s image, for whom Christ died, is going to say. Excitement and anticipation builds as the believer approaches the throne. God’s heart leaps as the Christian comes close, and He opens His arms wide to welcome this treasured child of His. The Father glances at the angels close by, verifying that they are ready to be dispatched to answer the prayer of this most beloved one. There is a hushed awe as the believer opens his mouth.
What an image! Through Jesus, God has given us free access to His throne—He has invited us in to the Holy of Holies! Imagine the disappointment if the believer’s prayer is mumbled, hurried, faithless, or vague. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). But how delighted God must be when we come to Him as He directs us, in confidence and boldness. The important thing to realize is that when we pray, God moves! We touch heaven, and heaven comes down to us and through us. It is impossible to pray with no results—God is faithful and always responds to us, His children, although not always in the way that we expect. We exercise faith when we pray according to who God says He is. We can trust Him, because He is trustworthy. God hears us when we pray. He never sleeps, He does not take breaks, He is never too busy. He’s waiting for us.
Prayer: Father, help me overcome my unbelief. You say that when I pray, You hear me from heaven. Thank You that You are faithful, that Your word is always true for all people, for all time, in all places. Help me to come to You boldly, frequently, and full of faith. Thank You that You are my Father, and I am Your beloved child. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
