Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousnessBe gracious to me and hear my prayer (Psalm 4:1). Audio Sermon: Psalm 4 Pastor Francis C. Legare Prayer is a means of grace by which the Christian gains access to his heavenly Father. The Lord delights in hearing the prayers of His children. Like a father who listens to his children as they convey to him their hopes, needs and desires, your heavenly Father longs to hear your voice. It is almost impossible to comprehend such divine condescension. To think that the eternal Creator of the universe would desire our sinful stammering! Yet He does. He takes our prayers and washes them with the blood of His Son, transforming them into a symphony of heavenly oration. Our words become a delight to His heart. But you have often wondered if He hears your prayers. The tempter has been about his business planting seeds of doubt in your heart. He would not listen to one as sinful as me. My prayers have no eloquence. He has no time for my petty concerns. Do not believe him, for he is a liar and the father of lies! God sent His own Son to save sinners like you that He might receive your petitions. Your timid utterances, in the hands of the Holy Spirit, will be given an eloquence fit for the King of kings. And as for your petty concerns, will not the God who feeds the birds of the air take to heart the concerns of those "worth much more than they?" The psalmist called upon the Lord to answer him. He prayed expectantly because he prayed to the God of righteousness and grace. David knew that his righteousness was found in the Lord. He dared to speak to God in the imperative because he spoke as one robed in the righteousness of Christ. He approaches the throne of grace confidently because he is in Christ. Would the heavenly Father turn away His own Son? He will not turn away those who are united to His Son either. David prayed expectantly because he recognized the grace of God. We can only be received by grace. Those who are under the curse and deserve the wrath of God can only come if sin has been removed and the Lord's justice has been satisfied. For it is by grace that you have been saved. Your sins were exchanged for the righteousness of Christ. Grace is heaven's invitation for you to come before the Lord, and God will never turn away those He has invited. Are you in Christ? Do you, by grace, have His imperishable righteousness? If so, then pray to the Lord. Shout joyfully before your Savior. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and pour out your petitions at His feet. Come to Him without fear trusting that He will hear you and answer you. You are free to come whenever you like, and you will never be asked to leave. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!