Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven. The moment Saul began to pray, the Lord heard him. Here is comfort for you, distressed and praying soul!

How often does a broken-hearted believer fall to their knees, able only to wail in the language of sighs and tears? Yet that groan has made all the harps of heaven thrill with music! That single tear has been caught by God and treasured in heaven's lachrymatory. "You put my tears into your bottle" — think of it! He catches them as they flow. The one who prays, whose fears prevent their words, will be perfectly understood by the Most High. You may only be able to look up through misty eyes—but "prayer is the falling of a tear."

Tears are the diamonds of heaven! Sighs are part of the music in Jehovah's court, numbered among "the sublimest strains that reach the majesty on high." Never think your prayer—however weak or trembling—will go unnoticed. Jacob's ladder is lofty, yes, but our prayers shall lean upon the Angel of the covenant and so climb its starry rounds.

Our God not only hears prayer—he loves to hear it. "He does not forget the cry of the humble." True, he regards not high looks and lofty words. He cares not for the pomp and pageantry of kings. He listens not to the swell of martial music. He regards not the triumph and pride of man.

But wherever there is a heart big with sorrow, wherever lips quiver with agony, wherever there is a deep groan or a penitential sigh—the heart of Jehovah is open! He marks it down in the registry of his memory. He puts our prayers, like rose leaves, between the pages of his book of remembrance. And when the volume is opened at last, there shall be a precious fragrance springing up from it!

"Faith asks no signal from the skies, To show that prayers accepted rise, Our Priest is in his holy place, And answers from the throne of grace."