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He’s Already Heard My Prayer

This is one of the most difficult pieces to write. My dad, Steve, passed away this morning unexpectedly. He was the “Music Man” in my world who made life a song. 

Daddy was responsible for putting me on the stage. At two years old, he stood me on the altar at church so everyone could watch me sing “Victory in Jesus.”   At twelve, he was teaching me how to set up equipment and mix sound. As a teenager, we wrote songs together. His love of music is so deeply ingrained in me that I feel a piece of that is somehow missing now.

Things were not always great between me and Daddy. In fact, we went for a long time without having contact with one another. I’m so grateful that God restored our relationship in his final years. Neither one of us were perfect in our relationship, but I always loved him deeply.

So today, I’m heartbroken. Memories are flooding my mind, and there are so many things I still wanted us to share. I know the coming days will be filled with waves of grief and the steadying peace that can only come from God. In the meantime, I am clinging to this scripture as a prayer:

O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! For you have heard my vows, O God. You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name… Then I will sing praises to your name forever as I fulfill my vows each day. (Psalms‬ ‭61‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ & 8 NLT‬‬)

Even in my sorrow, I can cry out to the One who is my Rock of safety. And I will sing His praises again.

© 2024 Jill Cook. All rights reserved.

Daddy and me at the Ft. Worth Stockyards, 2022

Daddy was a master musician and songwriter. I’d like to share the lyrics to one of my favorites that he wrote.

He’s Already Heard My Prayer

Before my lips can ever form the words

Before my mind can ever comprehend 

Before my heart can feel the longing of my hopes and cares

He’s already heard my prayer


Before I bow the answer’s on its way

Before I close my eyes He’s looking down

Before I start to feel the pain is more than I can bear

He’s already heard my prayer


If He sees the sparrow falling from its nest

If He clothes the flowers making sure they look their best

If He sends His angels out to number every hair

He’s already heard my prayer


Copyright Stephen White and Craig Pippin. All rights reserved.


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