Do you sometimes wonder if God hears you?

[sad astronaut]

Lately I've restarted having a quiet time ever morning, where I read 3 or 4 chapters in the Bible and pray. I figured that once I started this, I would feel radically different during the day, but I don't believe that I do. I just wonder if there is something I am doing wrong, or maybe once I do this for a couple more weeks I'll start to feel a change (I started this about two weeks ago, but didn't do it over the weekend). I just feel that I am missing something in the mornings, but what can I do other than read the word and pray? I wonder if I am praying the wrong way, or if my prayers are getting through to God at all.
I was wondering if anyone else has gone through this, where they wondered if God was hearing their prayers, and if so, at some point did you receive affirmation? Have you ever asked God for a sign that he does hear you. Am I relying to much on "feeling and emotion" concerning my quiet times, and just trust that I am doing the right thing?
I just want confirmation that I am taking the right steps towards closer fellowship with God.
Thanks.

 

[Heinrich]

I also felt that alot in my life..
But when I became spirit filled I don't think that ever happened again.
Infact sometimes God talks to me... I guess that would mean He listens

 

[Beauty4Ashes]

Sometimes God just wants us to be still in his presence and let his goodness soak into our beings and let him be magnified in the stillness and humility of our human selves. Try sitting quiety and meditating upon the goodness and Majesty of God. Also meditating on scriptures, instead of rolling your worries and prayers around in your head, roll some scriptures around and make that your foundation. Another thing that definately helps usher in God's presence to your quiet time and learning to hear his voice is worship. If you don't know many songs by heart, maybe get a songsheet printed out with some of your favourite worship songs, especially ones that maginify God in his fullness and glory. Make it a habit to worship him in spirit and in truth. And also welcome the Holy Spirit to your quiet time (of course it's arleady in you) but it desires to be recognized and wooed and appreciated as your living water. If you don't feel you have much of a connection with the Holy Spirit maybe you need to be babtized in the Holy Spirit. This doesn't have to mean going to a pentacostle church and having someone pray in tounges over you. You can simply invite the Holy Spirit to immerse you renew your relationship with God by instating full comunniuon and communication with the beautiful gift and part of the trinity left for us by Jesus himself.

God bless. I'll pray for you

 

[C.A.B.L]

Sad Astronaut,

I can relate to your feelings just like I'm sure every other Christian in this forum can. We have all struggled with the thought that maybe our prayers are just never "getting past the ceiling" that we are just weeping in the wind.

If we look to the Bible it can answer alot of our questions about Prayer. In some cases prayer is answered almost instantaneously such as these: Moses at the Red Sea (Ex 14:15-16); Elijah raising the widows son (1 King 17:22) and so on and so on. (Zechariah 10:6) says that the Lord will hear us, in this passage it says that He will hear us just because He is our God. It's almost like if we are wrong or we are upset, most people wouldn't really listen to you, but if you went to your Father or Mother they would hear you out just because they love you. Another factor that plays a major part in prayer is Faith. People always ask "What can I do to get greater faith"? if they would just look in the Bible, it will answer any question they have. The Bible says "faith comes by hearing; and hearing by the Word of God" the Word of God is absolute truth, and the more absolute truth you hear the great your faith is going to be.

One more thing I would like to point out. Prayer can sometimes be like taking medecine for a cold or the flu, you take the medicine but you don't expect it to work right away. If it does great but if it doesn't you know it will sonner or later. That's the best illustration I have ever heard concerning prayer. Just like the medecine, it won't happen right away but you have faith, and Brother, that's all you need!

Love you in Christ,
Matt

 

[honeybee2]

I agree with CABL. About two years ago when my husband was injured, i needed to renew my relationship with the Lord, and at first i had to pray for Him to even make me want to. But God knows the desires of our heart, and when we come to him in need and sincerity he will not cast us aside. Sometimes we must persevere and keep reading, and keep praying, even though we 'feel' nothing. Remember it is by faith not by sight (or feeling)
I recommend that just before you begin to read, ask the Holy Spirit to open your ears to hear him speaking to you. Then take your high-lighter in hand and open the word, expecting to hear from him, and i assure you, you will.
If we desire a relationship with another person, say a girl, if you're a guy, then you will go places you expect to meet her, you will phone her and make plans to be together, you will talk to her. In otherwords, you will put yourself out to be with her. This is what the Father wants as well. He wants a relationship with us, but he will not push himself on us. He will wait until we are hungry for his presence, then he will come and sup with us, and have fellowship.
Believe me, it's worth the wait
peace.
your fellowservant.

 

[IKTCA]

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[HumbleBee]

Whoa dude!

Tiz ONLY 2 weeks that you been spending this devotional time with Jesus! Just as it takes a lottttttttttttt more than that to build a really close relationship with a friend, even more so with the Lord of the Universe! Though He is with you always, wherever you go......Jesus may remain somewhat hidden until He sees how committed you are to Him...how serious you are about seeking Him, getting to know Him, and obeying Him. He told me this..."Me hide! You seek!" The psalms are full of heartfelt queries and pleas to God asking Him why He seems so distant and for Him to not hide.

Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

John 14:21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."

John 20:29 Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

 

[sad astronaut]

Thanks for all the input folks. It helps alot.