“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”— Matthew 7: 7-11 NLT
Prayer is fundamental to our Christian growth and development, as well as to our relationship with God. We are changed in good and positive ways when we engage and connect with God in prayer. In fact, prayer reveals our inner reliance or dependence on God.
Jesus himself is not a stranger to prayer. His whole life and the success of His ministry were evidence of His dependence on God through prayer. We have limited insight into the contents of Jesus’ prayer with His Father. He was, however, consistent in finding time alone to hear, learn, receive direction and instruction from God.
Jesus said, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you”. Some people have interpreted Jesus’ statement as PUSH – Pray Until Something Happens! I was in this position a few years ago, devoting hours, days, weeks, months and even years banging on heaven’s door on a particular issue. At the time, I prayed as if my whole life and existence depended on obtaining the answer to this request.
At the time, was I disappointed I did not receive the answer to my prayer? Yes. But with retrospective hindsight, I can confidently say that the effectiveness of prayer is not measured merely by answer to the prayer. Prayer provides us with a deeper intimacy with God, develops a transformed character in us, renews our minds, and strengthens our faith. Prayer is also about finding out what’s in God’s heart and a time of receiving instruction and insight from our Father.
Prayer doesn’t need to be complicated and long-winded. God already knows what we need and what’s in our hearts, so we don’t need to impress Him with many words. “Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” Matthew 6:8 (NLT)
We don’t need to pray as if God is hard of hearing, asleep, or unavailable. We need to pray with knowledge, understanding and faith. And what better way to gain this knowledge, understanding and faith than through the Word of God.
When next you pray or you petition God about a matter, look beyond receiving an answer to the request. Instead, look for ways in which God may be developing and transforming your character, seeking deeper intimacy with you, and strengthening your faith.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 