TREASURED PRAYERS

Squirrels are amazing animals. They prepare for winter every year by hiding acorns during the summer months. Then, when winter arrives, they retrieve the hidden acorns. Survival mode – how do they know where to locate their hidden acorns?

Even under heavy snow, the squirrels remember the locations of their buried treasures. At times, we as human beings have difficulty remembering where we left our car keys or glasses.

This incredible act of memory demonstrated by the squirrels pales in comparison with God’s ability to remember our prayers.
He’s able to keep track of every sincere prayer and remembers and responds to them even years later. In the book of Revelation, the apostle John describes “four living creatures” and “twenty-four elders” worshiping the Lord in Heaven. Each one held golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.

Just as incense was precious in the ancient world, our prayers are so precious to God that He keeps them before Him continually, treasured in golden bowls. Our prayers matter to God because we matter to Him, and through His undeserved kindness to us in Jesus, He offers us uninhibited access.

Hebrews 4:14-16 says, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Prayer is our supply line to God in the battle.
His abundant, sustaining grace flows to us through prayer. Because prayer is so vital, the enemy tries to sever that supply line. When we suffer, the enemy often whispers, “God doesn’t care about you, and He isn’t answering. Why waste your time with these worthless prayers? It’s easy to get discouraged and quit praying, cutting us off from the help we need. So, pray boldly! Knowing that not one word spoken will be forgotten or misplaced because of the amazing love of God.

Faith Step:  How does it encourage you to know God never forgets our prayers?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please give us the perseverance to pray faithfully and the faith to look for what you alone can do. We come to your throne right now with confidence, not in ourselves but in you, Lord Jesus, the one who is without sin and the one who conquered sin, suffering, and death. All glory be to your name for this privilege of coming to your throne with confidence. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen!