Jesus is the God Who listens to His people!
“Pray without ceasing.” (1st Thessalonians 5:17 ESV)
Contrary to popular belief, 1st Thessalonians 5:17 is the shortest verse in the Bible! Most of us have been taught that John 11:35 “Jesus wept” holds that distinction, and it is true – in the English language! But, since the New Testament is written in Koine Greek, the shortest verse in the Bible – in Greek – is 1st Thessalonians 5:17. It is one Greek word that means, “Unceasingly pray.”
We are thinking in these devotionals about Who Jesus is. We have already written much about this question, but I want to focus today on the reality that Jesus is a living Being Who listens to His people!
I would love to know that if I send a letter to the President of the United States he would read it; or, if I called him he would take the call and listen to what I have to say. Fat chance! I can, however – as can you – speak directly with the Creator God of the Universe any time and any place I so choose. WOW!
When Christians describe speaking to God, we call that prayer. I have often said that I do everything else I do better than I pray. And, it is sadly true that I do almost everything else I do more often than I pray. Whether it is a time of formal prayer, or just casually speaking to Him, praying is nothing more than speaking to Jesus.
So, how should a Christian speak to Jesus?
1) Continually! Our theme verse today tells us that we should pray without ceasing. That does not require that we never do anything else, but it admonishes us to continually be in an attitude of prayer, continually aware of His nearness to us, and be focused on Him all of the time.
2) Reverently! Remembering Who He is ought to give us a sense of awe and respect. Yes, He is our Brother, but He is the One True and Living God. We do not need to fear to speak with Him, but I believe a proper attitude of prayer considers Who He is at all times.
3) Assuredly! He tells us that He hears us. He knows our every thought and hears our every word.
4) Expectantly! Jesus hears every prayer from His people and Jesus answers every prayer of His people! Many times I think that He has not heard my prayers, but scripture is clear that He does hear them.
My problem is that if He does not respond how and when I want Him to respond, I assume that He did not hear my prayer. My problem – and I am sure others feel the same way – is that Jesus does not answer every prayer the same way. Sometimes He answers directly; sometimes differently; sometimes He answers by denying our request; and, sometimes He delays His answer to accomplish His will in our life.
Jesus Christ is alive! He hears us when we speak to Him. He answers us according to His will and for our ultimate good. Jesus is the God Who hears his people when we speak to him.
Sola Deo Gloria!
LANNYFAULKNER.COM 
The denial and delay-type responses seem to challenge me the most, as I walk the rocky path of other Christian pilgrims. Paul addressed the denial-response to his prayer about his ” thorn in the flesh”:
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12: 8-10 ESV).
Responding to the future “scoffers” who will mock Christians who look forward to Christ’s promised Second Coming, the author of 2 Peter writes about the delay-response:
“The Lord is no slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3: 9 ESV).
God’s timing is not my timing, and His denial on one front is an affirmation on another. He always knows best. Thanks again, Lanny, for a great reminder of the many ways in which the Lord really does respond to our prayers.
Grace and Peace,
Alan G. Phillips, Jr.