by Victoria Heinecke with Rebecca Kuenn

Amid the noise, God hears us.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
    he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me,
    I will call on him as long as I live.”
Psalm 116:1-2 New International Version (NIV)

There are many prairie dog colonies across the Great Plains. These colonies, called “towns,” may have over 100 prairie dogs dwelling together. They are not easy to see since there are no structures above ground. However, if you happen to see one prairie dog standing sentry in the middle of a field, chances are good that its town is underneath it.

From the road, it appears serene, almost pastoral. A few prairie dogs, standing or moving peacefully across the plain. When you venture closer to the town, it’s not long before you can hear the cacophony of dozens of prairie dogs as they chirp to one another.

Chirp! Chirp! Chirp! It’s almost impossible to hear one rodent’s chirps above the others’.

Does it sometimes seem as if our collective prayers to God are a similar cacophony? Do you sometimes wonder if God hears your prayers above the chirps of everyone else’s?

It seems a rhetorical question, but it’s one whose answer bears repeating: Yes, God hears you.

He hears all of us, loud and clear, at the same time. Every. Single. Word.

“May my cry come before you, Lord;
    give me understanding according to your word.
May my supplication come before you;
    deliver me according to your promise.
May my lips overflow with praise,
    for you teach me your decrees.
May my tongue sing of your word,
    for all your commands are righteous.“
Psalm 119-169-172 NIV

God hears you as if you are the only one talking to him. He hears your prayers and praises, comforts you, and rejoices with you.

Abba Father, I give thanks and praise you that you are by my side all the days of my life. Help me on the days when I begin to wonder if you are listening, and guide me with your gentle hand. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Photo copyright Rebecca Kuenn