Years ago, when I began studying the Bible in-depth, I started praying what I now call my "Remember Me" prayers. As I studied the Scriptures, I couldn't help but notice how many times God's people prayed prayers like these. Many times, when these folks were in trouble, they often included this simple phrase in their pleas for divine assistance.

Hannah is the perfect example. She was a godly woman who desperately wanted a child of her own. Year after year, she hoped and prayed for a son, but as the Bible says, "The Lord had left her childless." (1 Samuel 1:6 AMP) One day, as she was weeping and pouring her heart out to the Lord, she said: "O Lord Almighty, if You will only look upon Your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget Your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life..." (1 Samuel 1:11 NIV) The Lord's response to her prayer was astounding. Scripture says, "Elkanah lay with Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her." (1 Samuel 1:19 NIV) The Message Bible best describes God's response to Hannah's prayer when it says, "God began making the necessary arrangements in response to what she had asked." (1 Samuel 1:19 MSG) When Hannah cried out to the Lord, "Remember me!" she wasn't just saying, "Don't forget me, Lord!" - although that was part of it. She was saying, "Do something on my behalf, Lord!" And He did. He gave her a son who became one of the greatest prophets in Israel's history, the prophet Samuel.

The last prayer that Samson ever prayed was a "Remember Me" prayer. He said, "O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me..." (Judges 16:28 NASB) And as a result, Samson was able to defeat more of his enemies at the end of his life, than in all the years he lived before. I have often prayed Samson's prayer myself when I was feeling discouraged, and in need of a good dose of divine strength. And I am always amazed at the awesome results that such a simple prayer can bring.

The Bible doesn't record Jesus praying any "Remember Me" prayers, but it does record His remarkable response to one. While the Savior was dying on the cross, one of the criminals hanging next to Him said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into Your kingdom." (Luke 23:42 NIV) And as Scripture reveals:

"Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.'" (Luke 23:43 NIV)
Here was a simple prayer that changed the course of a man's eternal destiny.

Throughout the pages of the Bible, we see God's people asking Him to "remember" them. Jeremiah prayed, "Remember me and take notice of me." (Jeremiah 15:15 NASB) And David prayed, "According to Your love remember me, for You are good, O Lord." (Psalm 25:7 NIV) These people are not just asking for mere remembrance, but for God's miraculous touch upon their lives. One of the best examples of this is in the Book of Psalms, where it is written: "Remember me, O Lord, when You show favor to Your people, come to my aid when You save them, that I may enjoy the prosperity of Your chosen ones..." (Psalm 106:4-5 NIV)

The Lord is ready and able to act on our behalf, but He often waits for us to call upon Him in prayer. If you are in need of a touch from God today, just say, "Jesus, remember me..."

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to pray "Remember Me" prayers that will not only change my life, but the lives of those around me. When I am feeling forgotten, alone, or afraid, remind me that I need only call out to You for help. Today, I stand upon Your precious promise which says, "The Lord remembers us and He will surely bless us!" (Psalm 115:12 NLT)