God Answers Prayer

I cried out to you, O LORD.

I begged the Lord for mercy, saying,

“What will you gain if I die,

if I sink into the grave?

Can my dust praise you?

Can it tell of your faithfulness?

Hear me, LORD, and have mercy on me.

Help me, O LORD.”

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.

You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,

that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.

O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!

Psalm 30:8-12

God certainly knows what is best for us before we voice our requests. So why does the all-knowing, all-powerful God work out his plan through our simple requests? David possessed some insight into this question. He realized answered prayers demonstrate God’s love and mercy to the world. Too often, we don’t recognize God’s work in our lives. In contrast, an answered prayer is a clear sign to us of God at work. God treasures the heartfelt gratitude and the joyful praise of those who recognize his loving hand in their lives.

When we receive answers to prayer, may we, like David, never take that miracle for granted.

• Dear Lord, thank you for answering my prayers . . .