“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.”
(Psalm 145:18 KJV). 

Have you ever struggled with having  confidence that when you pray the Lord actually hears you?  Or that He really cares about you and the issues you are facing in your life?  Have you ever thought  that somehow you are not good enough or that you are not spiritual enough?  Have you ever felt like you just don’t  seem to have the right words or that somehow your words just do not  seem adequate?  Have you ever felt  awkward when you pray, thinking that you look foolish speaking to someone you can’t even see? Have you ever had the thought cross your mind that said:  “What difference does it really make?” 

Every child of God has experienced these thoughts and feelings when it comes to prayer.  The reason we have such thoughts is because we are all keenly  aware of  the weakness of our flesh.  And all of us are bombarded  by the thoughts  the evil one and his demons seek  to plant in our minds.  This  is true not only for new believers but for seasoned believers as well.  All of these thoughts and feelings are designed to  discourage us from praying.  The goal  is too intimidate and discourage us in order to keep us from praying.  The evil one knows the power of prayer far better  than we do.  He and  his demons are fearful of people who pray  and churches that pray.

But  the  great promise of God is that He always hears the heart cry of those who belong to Him.   He  reminds us that “He is near”.  What that means is that He is close to all  who truly belong to Him.  But also notice that He hears those that “call upon Him in truth.”   That  means  to call upon Him with  genuine authenticity.  The Lord knows if we are serious about Him or not.  We cannot fool God.   He knows the motive and intention of our heart.  If our heart is right, and our motive is right, the Lord always hears His people!   Thus  we can always pray with absolute confidence when we call upon Him!   

James W. Black