So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, 
“Father, I thank you that you have heard me. John 11:41 NIV

Notice how Jesus teaches us to pray, by praying, and His prayer begins by publicly thanking the Father that He was listening. “Listening to what?” we might ask. The answer must be, that Jesus had already taken time privately to pray and learn exactly what was the Father’s will about Lazarus.

Jesus reminds us that no book, no class, or sermon can replace our own private hour of prayer. That is the only place that we can find the peace and confidence to act or speak for Jesus. Then Jesus shows us that even knowing that his prayers were heard was not enough. Before doing anything else, He first gave thanks to His Father. Jesus models for us His own gratitude that His Father had taken the time to listen to His prayer. Only after that does Jesus confidently call Lazarus back from the grave. The public power Jesus had to say, Lazarus come forth!” came from His unseen hours of prayer. So today, before complaining to God about our situation or trying to command for things to be different, let’s be like Jesus and learn the timing and details of our Father’s will, and then thank Him in advance for listening. What could be more amazing than that the Creator of the universe would take time to listen to us, even weep with us and then in His perfect timing send His answer to our prayers?

Thank you Jesus for taking time to do more than miracles. 
Thank you for teaching us to pray. Amen!