John 11:3 - The sisters therefore sent to him, saying, "Lord, behold, he for whom you have great affection is sick."
But notice, the friend who went to Jesus on behalf of Lazarus said, "Lord, the one You love is sick." He didn't base his appeal on the imperfect love of the one in need, but on the perfect love of the Saviour. He didn't say, "The one who loves You is sick." No, he said, "The one You love is sick." That's different!
Someone went to Jesus on behalf of Lazarus, and because they went, Jesus responded. The healing wouldn't unfold for several days, but the timer was set when the appeal was made. Ever wonder where your prayers go when they leave your lips? Listen: "There was silence in heaven... and... Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden pan... with the prayers of all God's... people. The angel put this offering... before the throne. The smoke... went up... to God with the prayers of God's people" (Revelation 8:1-4 - When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 3Another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer. Much incense was given to him, that he should add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. 4The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand. ).Why was there silence in heaven? Because someone was praying! Heaven pauses to hear the prayers of - someone like you. Listen: "The prayers of all God's... people... went up... to God." Awesome! Your words don't stop until they reach the heart of God!
But notice, the friend who went to Jesus on behalf of Lazarus said, "Lord, the one You love is sick." He didn't base his appeal on the imperfect love of the one in need, but on the perfect love of the Saviour. He didn't say, "The one who loves You is sick." No, he said, "The one You love is sick." That's different!
The power of prayer doesn't depend on the virtue of the one who prays, but on the unchanging love of the One who hears. Aren't you glad? You may be deeply flawed; you may not understand the mystery of prayer, but this much is clear: action begins in heaven, when someone on earth prays.
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