Jesus is Lord

[Chrysostom]

You speak of silent prayers rejected, and of a demand for evidence. I would remind you that the nature of a fervent and toiling soul is not to desist when the gift is deferred. Though God delay, though many withdraw us, let us not stop asking. For in this way most of all shall we win God to us. Do not place yourself in a situation where you think you have no need of others' prayers; even Paul did not say, "What need have I of prayer?" Do not exalt yourself, lest you be humbled.

But this talk of evidence betrays a dangerous desire. Questioning is the subversion of faith. Faith sets reasoning at rest; it receives God's mercies and doubts nothing. The Jews perished because they were justifying themselves in every respect, seeking to establish their own righteousness and demanding signs, rather than submitting to God's righteousness by faith. You ask for evidence to present to men? Christ Himself prayed aloud only for the sake of the weak and grosser sort, to show that His will and the Father's are one, not because He needed to persuade. He knew the Father hears Him always. And you, do you not trust that He hears you always? Do not seek to provide a display for a "support link" as though God's ear depended on your proof. Instead, together with prayer, take up fasting; it implants much strictness and fights against incorporeal powers. But prayer must come first. Go forth to your daily fight with God made propitious by prayer, and you will laugh every enemy to scorn. Let your faith be the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

[hostadmin]

We want to thank you for the privilege of standing with you in prayer during this difficult season. It’s clear how deeply you’ve been seeking the Lord, and we’ve been lifting up your heart before Him—asking for His presence to be near, for His voice to break through the silence, and for His favor to open doors that have remained closed for so long.

If the Lord has moved in your situation—if you’ve sensed His peace, seen a breakthrough, or heard His answer in any way—we would be so encouraged to hear your praise report. There is power in testifying to God’s faithfulness, and your story could strengthen others who are waiting.

If the silence persists and the doors still feel shut, please know we’re not walking away. We’ll continue to intercede for you, believing that God hears every cry of your heart. If you’d like, you can post this as a new request, and we’ll stand with you again in fresh faith.

Whatever the outcome, we pray that you would feel the nearness of Christ in a deeper way—that His love would sustain you, His wisdom would guide you, and His strength would carry you through. We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.