The God who is gathering our tears is also collecting our prayers (Psalm 56:8). It’s true; God is putting the groans of all His people together in a bowl of remembrance before Him (Revelation 5:8; 8:3). Isn’t this astounding? That’s a lot of prayers, including not only the ones uttered this morning but also the cries from His children long ago.
Think of it—the 1790 prayer of Benjamin Franklin mingling with the request of Corrie Ten Boom in 1944:
- “Forgive us our trespasses, and enable us likewise to forgive those that offend us.” Benjamin Frankin
- “Lord Jesus, I forgive (my captor) as I pray that You will forgive me….bless him now with his family.” Corrie Ten Boom (holocaust survivor)
The intercession of the Apostle Paul (circa 62 A.D) forming on William Tyndale’s tongue (1536):
- “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened” Paul (Ephesians 1:18).
- “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.” Tyndale (Translator of first English translation of the Bible)
The desperation of a Jewish prophet (539 B.C.) growing on the lips of a British colonist (1684):
- “O my God, incline Thine ear and hear! Open Thine eyes and see our desolations and the city which is called by Thy name” Daniel (Daniel 9:18).
- “My soul prays to God for thee (Philadelphia), that thou mayest stand in the day of trial.” William Penn (Founder of Pennsylvania)
The repentant cry a Bohemian reformist (1415) compounding in the heart of a revolutionary hero (1775):
- “That God would graciously pour out His Holy Spirit on us to bring us to a thorough Repentance.” Jonathan Trumbull (Governor of Connecticut)
- “Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, have mercy on me.” John Huss (15th-century martyr)
Our prayers are not merely the invention of our own wavering thoughts. Instead, they’ve been energized into life by the Holy Spirit Himself. Birthed in the heart of God and impregnated into our desire, these groanings represent the synergy of history.
Promises made by God do not expire. The Word which went out of His mouth in the genesis of man still stands. “For I the Lord shall speak, and whatever Word I speak will be performed. It will no longer be delayed, for, in your days O rebellious house, I shall speak the Word and perform it,” declares the Lord God (Ezekiel 12:25). He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Yes, we can delay His promises through our unbelief or impure motives (James 1:6-8; 4:3). But, as we keep praying, God will reveal any attitude that is unsuitable for the release of His power (Philippians 3:15). When we pray His Word, we find the purpose of the ages unfolding before us.
Let’s start today by joining the Sons of Korah (Circa 700 B.C.) and Scottish revivalist Duncan Campbell (1954) by asking: “Wilt Thou not revive us again; that Thy people may rejoice in Thee? (Psalm 85:6). This collaborative prayer unites both the saints of the ages with the Father’s forever plan for His people. This is empowered prayer!