Isn’t it just like God to know exactly what you need, when you need it? Whether expressed in words or groanings, God hears our prayers and knows our hearts, and like a loving Father, he wants to give us what we need and want as long as it’s in our best interests. Sometimes the simplest things let us know he hears us.

On Saturday at the retreat for my Water of Life class, I knew something was getting in the way of hearing from God. His silence was deafening. I felt so alone. I was on my knees praying for insight, wishing God could wrap his arms around me in a hug. I remember saying, “I just need a hug, God.” Gaining some composure, I sat down at my table. Within two minutes, a friend was standing in front me – she came to give me a hug. I felt so loved. I was encouraged to persevere in my quest to hear from God, knowing he heard and answered my simple prayer.

When I’m feeling like God is not hearing my prayers, I will sometimes ask him for something so small, yet unmistakable, so that I can plainly see when he responds. It encourages me in my faith and in dedication to prayer. One particular example, a group with which I was involved was planning a day of volunteering. Our numbers were a bit shy of what we had hoped just a few days before. I prayed that God would bring us two more people who had never been a part of our group. The morning of the event, three people we didn’t know came to help us. I was so encouraged. God was hearing my prayers.

What encourages you to stay dedicated in prayer? Do you have examples of simple prayers that God has answered?