June 14 – Day 165. God will hear our cry

Welcome to another episode of the EBC’s Prayer Podcast. As mentioned earlier, our prayers throughout the year will be taken from the 66 books of the Bible. We began in the book of Genesis and will conclude in the book of Revelation. 

Today, we are diving into the book of Jonah. Our scripture will be taken from Jonah 2:1-2, which reads: “Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly, and said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heard my voice.” 

In that critical moment, while engulfed in darkness within the belly of the great fish, Jonah fervently prayed to the Lord, his God. From the depths of his affliction, he cried out, expressing his deep anguish and desperation. He recalled how he had turned to the Lord in his time of need, and in response, God had not only heard his plea but had also listened to his voice rising from the depths of despair. Jonah felt as though he was in the very grasp of hell itself, yet even from such dire circumstances, he found hope in the assurance that the Lord was attentive to his cries.

Today, the Lord is encouraging us to pray. We need to cry unto him because of our affliction, for he will hear our cry. 

Transcript

Dear Heavenly Father. Our Lord, God, and Savior. Father, we come before you with humility and gratitude, for you are reminding us of the words of Jonah who cried out from the depths of his despair. Lord, just as you heard Jonah from the belly of the great fish, we believe and trust that you will hear us even now, no matter how deep our trials, and no matter how dark our circumstances.

Father, you are the God who listens when we call. When the weight of sorrow presses down upon us, when affliction grips our hearts, when fear and loneliness surround us, you are not far away. You draw near to the brokenhearted. You incline your ear to the cries of your people. Lord, thank you that no place is too far, no pit too deep, no darkness too thick, that your light and love cannot reach us.

Like Jonah, we often find ourselves in situations of our own making, moments when we have run from you, disobeyed your calling, or ignored your voice. And even in our rebellion, you are faithful. You provide a way for us to be drawn back to you. Even when it feels like we are swallowed by despair, you are working redemption in the unseen places. Lord, we praise you for your unfailing mercy.

Father, when Jonah cried out, he did not cry into emptiness; he cried unto you because of his needs. And you answered. Lord, thank you for reminding us that our prayers are heard. You receive every tear, and you hold us close to your heart.

Lord, please pour the same mercy and compassion into our lives today. Please shower those who feel trapped by hopelessness. Open our eyes to see your salvation. For those weighed down by guilt, remind us of your forgiveness. Wrap us in your comfort, give us peace, and remind us that nothing is beyond your control.

Lord, just as Jonah’s cry led him to surrender and obedience, may our cries to you refine us, reshape us, and realign us with your will. Teach us to trust you more deeply when we do not understand. Teach us to obey even when it is costly. Teach us to rest in your promises when our hearts are restless.

Father, the fish released Jonah onto dry land. You are the God of deliverance. You are the One who speaks life into dead places, who breaks chains, who makes a way where there is no way. Lord, bring freedom and new beginnings to every heart waiting for deliverance.

Lord, give us the revived faith to believe that what you did for Jonah, you will also do for us. You will hear us, you will answer us, and you will deliver us. May hope rise within us even in the middle of the storm. May trust grow stronger even when answers are delayed. May love overflow even when the world feels harsh and unkind.

Father, through Christ Jesus, we have a greater deliverance than Jonah could have ever imagined. For just as Jonah spent three days in the belly of the fish, so our Savior spent three days in the grave, but death could not hold Him. He rose in victory, and because He lives, we too can rise. Lord, thank you for the hope of the resurrection, for the promise of eternal life, and for the assurance that nothing can separate us from your love.

Lord, we are lifting our hearts to you with all our burdens, our fears, and we place them at your feet. Just as Jonah’s cry was answered, help us to believe you will answer us. Thank you for hearing us, for loving us, and for delivering us.

In Jesus Christ’s mighty and merciful name, we pray…Amen.

Everyone. Please have a great day, and by God’s grace, we will pray again tomorrow…Bye-bye.