“Jesus answered and said…”
— Matthew 11:25
Throughout the day, Jesus had silent conversations with God. Today’s Scripture verse from Matthew 11 highlights one such conversation. In this passage of Scripture, no one asked Jesus a question. Therefore, it is evident that Jesus is answering someone, even though no one has asked Him a question. The verse records, “Jesus answered and said, ‘I thank Thee, O Father…’”
This verse prompts the question, “Who was Jesus actually responding to?” The answer lies in Jesus’ relationship with God. Jesus maintained an ongoing, intimate fellowship with His heavenly Father, regularly engaging in silent conversations with Him. These conversations often went beyond verbal communication. Sometimes, He would speak aloud in response to what He heard God say within His heart. These silent conversations revealed the depth of Jesus’ relationship with God. When they connected, it was on a level that transcended the need for spoken words, demonstrating a profound and enduring bond. Such moments highlight the power of spiritual communion and the richness of a relationship built on mutual understanding and unwavering faith.
Unspoken Communication
Many of us can relate to the experience of thinking internally and then responding out loud. More than likely, others wondered who we were talking to. This is much like how Jesus communicated with God. There was a continual, silent dialogue that occasionally surfaced in spoken words. Jesus frequently participated in these conversations without talking. Such outward expressions demonstrate the intimate communion Jesus shared with His Father.
Whenever God spoke to anyone in the past, He did so through the prophets. However, Hebrews 1:1-2 teaches that God now speaks to us through His Son. Just as God talked to Jesus, today Jesus talks to us from within with the same clarity. He often engages us in silent conversations that resonate deeply.
Cultivating a Listening Spirit
When we pray, we also engage in silent conversations with God, but we must learn to cultivate a listening spirit. We can enter into the same pattern of communion that marked Jesus’ life—hearing and answering the gentle voice of the Lord. It is in these quiet moments that we discover the depth of God’s love and guidance, causing our relationship with Him to grow ever more personal.
If you want to deepen your relationship with God, try setting aside quiet moments each day to listen inwardly and respond in prayer. Think of your prayer as a heartfelt conversation with a close friend—sharing your hopes, questions, and gratitude openly and honestly. Through these silent conversations, you can nurture a more vibrant and personal connection with God.
As you make space for these moments, you may find that God’s gentle guidance becomes more evident in your daily life, helping you navigate challenges with greater peace and assurance. Over time, these quiet exchanges not only foster spiritual growth but also infuse your everyday experiences with renewed purpose and hope, reminding you that God’s presence is constant and His desire for connection is deeply personal.
Lord Jesus, I welcome You into my life. Please, Lord, converse with me, that I may have Your peace throughout the day.
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Wonderful and thoughtful post Eric. A reminder for us to slow down, listen, and stay close to God throughout the day. Amen 🙏
Amen, Willie.
Thank you, Eric. This reflection beautifully reminds us that communion with God often forms before words do. The quiet attentiveness you describe—listening before speaking—feels like the hidden ground where trust is shaped and faith matures. I’m grateful for this gentle call back to stillness and fellowship.
Beauitfully expressed, and inspiring.Thank you Eric, for sharing a vital key for a closer relationship with our heavenly Father.
I love the biblical fact that Jesus knows my silent words utter in depression or a struggle. I am not too much on speaking out loud my heart prayers but I know He is always listening to me and that makes me listen deeper I have friends who struggle with a teacher or pastor who does not pray enough or those that pray too much. I have one lady who comes to my Bible study and she is a prayer warrior, taught from a young age to pray for others all the time. But when our pastor forgets to pray openly about a prayer request, she ask for she thinks he does not value prayer as she does. God sees our hearts when our mouth opens in prayer before others. It is the silent prayers that show me He hears me, and answers when I wait and lean into Him. I did not grow up with prayer or God for that matter so I do not have a background of praying. When I start every bible study I tell the ladies we have to decide if this is a time to learn about God or a time to pray for our issues or for others. I said, we can take prayer request and then leave it to each one to prayer on their own. God is so much bigger than even our prayers. I cannot help but think of all the times He answered some silent prayer I had. I will say this about the prayer warrior in my bible study, she does put action to her prayers, she helps many. I actually have another friend who gets upset that sometimes she is the only one meeting for the Sunday morning time to pray. She has had prayer meetings in her home several times and each time she if offended when not many come. I think even prayer can become as idol just as teaching or any thing we do for God. All that to say, I love your post and I am so aware of prayer being my weakest link in my walk with the Lord. So I do need the reminders of the power of prayer. Blessings.
Wise Hearted, your comment was indeed heartfelt. You are not alone in your silence when it comes to prayer. I do not pray longwinded prayers either. However, that’s just because of my personality; I am a “matter of fact” kind of guy. I go straight to the point. If I want the Lord to help me with something specific, I pray, “Lord, please help me with this or that,” and I’m done. My wife often reminds me that there is no format for prayer, because when we pray, we are engaged in a conversation with God. Sometimes, silent conversations are the best.
Keep seeking the Lord in silence, my friend, and thanks for visiting with me. I pray that God will always meet you in your silence.