Biblical Answer

The Purpose of Prayer: Inviting God's Presence

Prayer is not just about speaking to God, but also about listening to Him. As Dr. John Barger pointed out, prayer is the posture of the heart, not just the speaking of words. When we pray, we invite God's presence into our lives. This involves not just speaking to Him, but also listening to His voice. We must have ears to hear God's voice, which means we must choose to lend our ear towards Him and be willing to hear what He has to say.

The Importance of Listening in Prayer

Listening is a crucial part of prayer because it allows us to hear God's voice and respond to His will. When we pray, we should not only talk to God but also listen to Him. This involves being open to His guidance and direction, even when it may not be what we want to hear. As the Bible says, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27). When we listen to God, we can have confidence that He will guide us and provide for us.

Prayer and God's Sovereignty

It's essential to understand that God's sovereignty means He is always in control, and His silence is not a sign of indifference but rather a sign of His presence. When we don't get the answers to our prayers, it's not because God isn't listening, but because He has a different plan in mind. As Psalm 138:8 says, "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O God, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands." God's silence is not a denial of our prayers, but rather a reminder that He is working in ways we may not fully understand. Therefore, we should continue to pray with faith, knowing that God is always working, even when we don't see immediate results.