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"FOR, BEHOLD, HE PRAYETH" "And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth," (Acts 9:11) This well-known 9th chapter in Acts records the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, later named the Apostle Paul. As he was traveling to Damascus, where he intended to hunt down and kill those who were following the Lord Jesus a light from Heaven surrounded him. He heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” (Acts 9:4) Saul's response in the very next verse is very interesting; he asked, “Who art thou, Lord?” That tells me that Saul realized he was Dealing with Deity. Then we read where the Lord appears to Ananias in a vision and instructs him to go to Saul. Ananias is a bit on the fearful side of life due to Saul's reputation, but he obeys the Lord. He lays hands on Saul, and something like scales fall from Saul's eyes, restoring his sight. Saul is baptized, eats, and regains his strength.Following that event, we hear the very words of our Saviour to Ananias concerning Saul of Tarsus. Take special note of the last 4 words of that verse which I posted at the outset, "...for, behold, he prayeth,"What was it about this newly converted soul that caught the eye and grabbed the attention of our risen Lord now seated at the Right Hand of God? Oh, hear Heaven's announcement again, "...for, behold, he prayeth,"Now, it goes without saying that our prayers here are instantly received in Heaven. I believe the very moment that Saul began to pray; Jesus heard him. Do we not then find comfort here that our prayers are heard the second we begin to offer them? It sure is comforting to me!How often has been the case when a burden bearing child of God can only but utter the language of groans and tears, yet that groan has made the Harps of Heaven sing, and those tears are now safely stored in one of the Father's most perfumed bottles and secured in His precious book (Psalm 56:8).Never think for one moment that our prayers, however weak or frail they may seem, do not reach the tender ear of an Almighty and Caring God. Do you remember Jacob's ladder in Genesis 28:12? It may have seemed lofty and far reaching. Yet, we'll find our heart felt prayers quickly climbing every rung of that grand old ladder of petition knowing most assuredly that a glad welcome awaits from His Throne of Grace where mercy and help is offered to all in need. There are indeed so much more in this golden chapter that would be well worth your time to muse over and meditate therein.Friends, just continue to pray for that unsaved loved one. Just continue to pray dear Christian for that lost friend. And yes, just continue to pray oh troubled soul when weeping situations arise. For it is then and there that your ever-eyeful Saviour declares, "for, behold, he prayeth,"