Filling the Prayers

When you ask for help, do you believe you will receive it?

Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.” - Matthew 7:7–12

The relationship we have with God is much like the relationship we have with our earthly parents.

We begin life totally dependent on them for every need, and we learn to trust them.  They will provide for us.

When we ask for something, they will not always give it to us, though.  They make a judgment first.

Is this good for you?  Is it something I wish you to have?

Just as a parent would not give a child a snake when asked for a fish, God will not give us something that will harm us.

So, I guess, if what we ask for isn't granted there may be a good reason for it.

But if we really believe what we are asking for is needed and will not harm us but help us, why would we doubt that our prayer will be answered?

Jesus wants us to have faith.  We should believe it is already received and we should act accordingly.

He tells us that we should focus on what we do to and for others.  If we do that, if we treat them as we would have them treat us, God will look with favor upon us.

When we set out to be a source of love for others, love pours on us abundantly.

So, it is not just about asking God for what we need.  Instead we should set out to see how we can be instruments for God, delivering on the prayers of others.

And others will do the same for us.

More to come...