…behold, he prayeth…
Acts 9:11

Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven.

The moment Saul began to pray, the Lord heard him. Here is comfort for the distressed but praying soul. Oftentimes a poor broken-hearted one bends his knee, but can only utter his wailing in the language of sighs and tears; yet that groan has made all the harps of heaven thrill with music; that tear has been caught by God and treasured in the lachrymatory of Heaven. “You have collected all my tears in Your bottle.” This implies that they are caught as they flow!

The suppliant, who groans out his words, will be well understood by the Most High God. He may only look up with misty eye; but prayer is the falling of a tear! Tears are the diamonds of Heaven! Sighs are a part of the music of Jehovah’s court, and are numbered with the most sublime strains which reach the majesty on high!

Do not think that your prayers, however weak or trembling, will be unregarded. Our God not only hears prayers, but also loves to hear them. “He does not forget the cry of the humble.”

True, He does not regard proud looks and lofty words.
He has no concern for the pomp and pageantry of kings.
He does not listen to the swell of martial music.
He does not regard the triumph and pride of man.

But wherever there is a contrite heart full with sorrow, or a lip quivering with agony, or a deep groan, or a penitential sigh—the heart of Jehovah is open! He marks that prayer down in the registry of His memory! He puts our prayers, like rose leaves, between the pages of His book of remembrance, and when the volume is opened at last there shall be a precious fragrance springing up therefrom!

-C.H. Spurgeon

Spurgeon sermons on prayer

When Prayer is Hard: Pain, Peace and the Groaning Heart