I know -- I've told some before, so what's to stop me?

But I don't want you confuse me with some preachers who are always hearing "voices" -- and in this Instance I heard a voice - or I thought I did.

Nothing long-winded or grandly eloquent, mind you -- just a "still, small voice" that broke into my life and changed me forever.

Since I've come this far -- I may as well tell you all of it.

I don't remember what I prayed. I just remember that I had been feeling down and discouraged for several days. And the prayer didn't help.

It didn't seem to go anywhere.

You know what I mean? I think we've all experienced this. I remember thinking sadly, "Nobody hears me" -- and that's when I heard the voice.

And yes, I may have dozed off. I may have dreamed it.

But I don't think so.

I would swear -- if preachers were allowed to -- that the moment I said, "Nobody heard me, " a voice clearly replied with the words -- "I heard you."

And it scared me a little.

And it kept me awake for a long time thinking about it -- and enjoying the mystery of it.

I prayed -- and God replied!

And that reply has stuck with me. Those three little words, spoken so dearly from some where that night, changed forever my understanding of prayer knowing that God is present and listening.

The assurance remains.

Gods hears me -- God hears you.

Everything Jesus taught us about prayer comes with that promise which means your don't have to take the word of a preacher who hears a voice in the night.

Just listen to the Lord.

"Knock," he said, "and the door will open."

Our prayers are always heard.

If you believe this truth, you will discover blessings you never knew life could offer.

Be in worship somewhere this Sunday.