Do we really know that God hears us?

In getting ready for the preaching practicum, the LORD spoke to me in a great way. We all know how tired we are when we get ready to hit the bed. My wife and I pray every night before going to sleep. Sad to say, the prayers become routine and we find ourselves "just wanting to get the prayers in." Many times I fall asleep as I'm "leading" my wife in prayer and to my shame, she taps me and I wake up to finish the prayer. What I am really good at is leading us in going to sleep.

As I read Paul's prayer in Ephesians, verses 15-19 of chapter1 specifically, Paul prays that "the Father of Glory" gives them a spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the KNOWLEDGE OF HIM. I pondered on the phrase, IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM. Paul is clear with regard to whom he is praying to. Paul is conscious of the Almighty, Omnipotent God that is there to receive his prayer! In Paul's letters; he always begins with God! He acknowledges the Sovereign of the universe! Take verse 1 as an example: "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God." Let us look at verse 11: "In whom we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated ACCORDING TO THE PURPOSE OF HIM, WHO WORKETH ALL THINGS AFTER THE COUNSEL OF HIS OWN WILL." Paul recognizes who it is he is coming to. His knowledge of God is not only a superficial, accurate knowledge. Paul's knowledge of the Holy One is experiential! It is a personal relationship. He knows the Sovereign Messiah and is known by Him! He is aware of His LORD at all times; he knows he is coming before the King of Kings.

In the "knowledge of Him" refers to the knowledge of the first person of the Trinity; the Father Himself! I had to ponder this marvelous thought; the Father of Glory, the One to whom Glory belongs! I have access to Him because he has loved me! My warrant to enter into His throne room is none other than the LORD Jesus Christ! He is my glory. He is my door into the presence of the Father of Glory. As John states it so beautifully, "No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten God, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has explained Him."

I must repent and confess my utter foolishness in approaching my King irreverently! I "throw up" faint prayers while my heart is far from Him! What a wretched man I am. There is forgiveness with Him! What a blessed thought! This led me to look at these examples in the Old Covenant that renewed the way I will approach my LORD in prayer:

Jacob, after he awoke from his dream in Genesis chapter 28:16, said "Surely the LORD is in this place and I did not know it." He was afraid states the text and says "how awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." Or take Isaiah's vision:

"I saw the LORD sitting on the throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple." He goes on and says, "and the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of Him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. Then I said "Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips; FOR MY EYES HAVE SEEN THE KING, the LORD of hosts." (Isaiah 6)

I must repent and say to you LORD that I want to know you in this way! I need to know you in this way! I cannot make it on my own. I am lost without you. I want to be a man that goes into your presence with boldness and confidence as these men did! I want you LORD to know me as you knew the children of Israel. LORD, you said to them, "You only have I known of all the families of the earth."

My brothers may we consider our steps and examine our hearts before entering into the presence of the Holy One! May we acknowledge His Sovereignty. We come before the Mighty King! May we enter clothed in the beauty of our Messiah! May we never dare enter because we think we merit it. It is a privilege! The King of Kings hears us! It is by Grace alone! May He cause us to fear Him! May He grant us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the KNOWLEDGE of Him! It is He who does the willing and the doing in us.