Keep On Asking

Reading: Luke 11; Psalm 47 9 “And so I tell you, 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. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10 NLT) 2 Jesus said, “This is how you should pray: “Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. 3 Give us each day the food we need, 4 and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation.” (Luke 11:2-4 NLT) What a contrast between Jesus’ approach to prayer and the religious approach to prayer! Jesus’ approach to prayer is that of a child with a need simply asking a caring Father for help. The religious approach to prayer is more like trying to placate and appease an angry god, or trying to get favor and blessing from a disinterested god – bargaining and manipulating with arguments or promises. It’s so easy for religion to creep into the relationship between God and me. He doesn’t get religious, I do! So once again (how many times has it been?) I am reminded that prayer is to be simple, direct, and is to be an interchange between two persons who love each other very much – child to Father and Father to child. My Abba Father loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong. They are weak but he is strong. Prayer: (This is my personal prayer. Take the time to clearly focus an expression of your own specific concerns and needs and express the prayer of your own heart.) Father, I’m sorry I tend to get so religious about prayer and praying! This morning I’m thinking about three major issues that are weighing on my mind right now. One is the churches and ministries and people we are in relationship with as we all face the challenges of life and the challenge of representing God’s Good News and his Kingdom in a rapidly changing cultural and social environment. Another is about the priorities of ministry for Jean and me in this season of life – how to do what is most important with the time, gifts, and energy you give us. The other is very personal – and you know this request that is deep in my heart. Please give wisdom for right priorities and decisions, and don’t let Satan get his way. Please provide just what we need. Amen.