Verse-a-day 7 February 2013
CURRENT THEME: New hope for 2013 (Share your feedback with us at
Day 19: New hope ... with the knowledge that God hears our prayers
By Benescke Janse van Rensburg
Over the past few days I had several readers asking the same questions regarding prayer and quiet times with God. I selected some of the most common questions to answer today:
QUESTION 1: Why is quiet times with God important? What is the best way to do it?
In James 4:8 we read: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Quiet time with God is an opportunity to get to know Him intimately. It is an opportunity for us to talk to Him but also for us to listen as He speaks to us through his Holy Spirit.
Just as there is no right or wrong way to build a friendship, there is no right or wrong way to spend time with God as each of us is unique and therefore we must strive to build a unique relationship with God.
It is however good to allocate a specific time to spend with God daily as it helps us to plan our day around it instead of becoming so busy that we do not keep our appointment with Him. Other aids to quiet time include your Bible, a Bible reading plan, a journal and something like Verse a Day. After you have read the daily electronic piece, you can meditate upon it, read further in the Bible and write down your questions or things that stood out for you. When you start to spend regular quiet times with God, you may be surprised at how often He answers your questions and reveals Himself to you.
QUESTION 2: How do I know if I pray in the right way? Do I need to address God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?
We pray to God in the Name of Jesus Christ through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Remember however that God does not just listen to our words when we pray, but rather looks at the attitude of our hearts. It’s no use to try to impress Him by using big flashy words (Matthew 6:7). Just be yourself.
In Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus gives his disciples guidelines to prayer: "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
So, when you go to God, speak to Him with an honest heart because you trust Him with the challenges in your lives. That is a true relationship.
QUESTION 3: How can I know God really hears my prayers?
The enemy wants to prevent us from spending time with God, so he will keep us busy with unimportant things in our lives. If he does not succeed in doing it, he will make us believe our prayers are powerless.
The truth however is that God hears every prayer on earth and answers in His time. In Revelation 5:8 we read the angels gather all the prayers of believers on earth and it ascends like incense before God’s throne. In Isaiah 59:1 we also read: "The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call." And James 5:16 confirms that our prayers have power: “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
Let’s make prayer and time with God a priority this year. It remains our lifeblood that strengthens us in difficult times and inspires us to put our faith for the impossible in an unlimited God. Nothing is impossible for Him! God bless.
Father God, thank You hear every prayer I pray. Help me not to lose courage when it feels as if my prayers are powerless, but trust that you will answer the right time and way. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
** Benescke Janse van Rensburg is a radio DJ, freelance journalist and author of the books, Ontdek God in die stories van mense, Wysheid-oordenkings uit Spreuke and Hoop in tye van nood-oordenkings uit Psalms. For more information, visit her website at www.benescke.co.za