JAN 21

Matthew 7:7-11
Memorise James 1:1
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…”

WILL YOU ASK THE LORD TO HELP YOU?

Christ instructs us to do 3 things: knock, ask, and seek of Him. These are three steps that guide us on how we should pray. First, a child must knock. To knock on a door is to make known your presence and to ask for access, permission to enter. We must go to God, humbling ourselves and ‘knock’ being persistent so that the door once closed will be opened! If you do not knock on a door, the person inside will not be alerted of your presence and thus not give you permission to enter. Secondly, ask –ask for things so that you may receive. Ask in order to find out what you do not know. Lastly, seek – search so that you can find, for things you may have lost, for something precious you need that is not obvious and in plain sight. These three actions embody earnestness, persistence and perseverance which should characterize our prayer lives. The promise to prayers is that they will be answered, with good gifts that are so much better than what our imperfect parents can give to us. Despite their imperfections and failings, no parent would be so wicked to give their child a stone when they are hungry, nor trick them with a serpent, instead of a fish. So imagine how much more willing and able our perfect Heavenly Father will be in giving to us, if we would only ask in prayer?

Do you look forward to gifts from your parents? A gift, even one you aren’t terribly excited about is always good – it is worth something (however small the amount) and is intended to benefit, bring joy and fulfill your heart’s desire. The best gifts are not necessarily the most expensive, but the most thoughtful ones. They usually come from someone who knows you well – your likes, dislikes, character, desires and needs. Is it foolish then not to desire and pursue the spiritual gifts from your perfect Heavenly Father who knows and cares for you? Seek and covet (in a positive way) by knocking, asking, searching. Christ promises to those who knock, it will be opened, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find. Spiritual gifts we will receive: wisdom, peace, blessings, guidance that enable us to live a reformed – spiritually rich life in accordance with His will.

Thought: How often did Daniel pray?
Prayer: Lord may I earnestly seek You daily, laying all my cares, worries, supplications and intercessions before You.