What a singular way to begin a verse: "At that time Jesus answered." Look at the context—no one had asked him a question. He wasn't in conversation with any human being. Yet there it is: "Jesus answered and said, 'I thank you, Father.'"

When someone answers, they're responding to someone who has spoken. So who had been speaking to Christ? His Father. But there's no record of it! And this should teach us something profound: Jesus had such constant fellowship with his Father that God was speaking into his heart so often, so continually, that it wasn't even singular enough to be recorded. It was the habit and life of Jesus to talk with God.

Scripture declares that as Jesus was in this world, so are we. So learn the lesson this simple statement teaches! May we likewise have silent fellowship with the Father. May we often find ourselves answering him throughout the day. And though the world knows not to whom we speak, may we be responding to that secret voice—unheard by any other ear—which our own ear, opened by the Spirit of God, recognizes with joy!

God has spoken to us—let us speak to God! Perhaps to set our seal that God is true and faithful to his promise. Perhaps to confess the sin of which the Spirit has convinced us. Perhaps to acknowledge the mercy which God's providence has given. Perhaps to express assent to the great truths which God the Holy Ghost has opened to our understanding.

What a privilege is intimate communion with the Father of our spirits! It is a secret hidden from the world, a joy with which even the nearest friend intermeddleth not. If we would hear the whispers of God's love, our ear must be purged and fitted to listen to his voice.

This very evening may our hearts be in such a state, that when God speaks to us, we, like Jesus, may be prepared at once to answer him.