APR 21

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

Christ instructs us to do 3 things: knock, ask, and seek 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 knocking persistently, so that the door once closed will be opened! 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, search for things you may have lost, search for something precious you need that is not obvious and in plain sight. These three actions embody earnestness, persistence and perseverance which should characterise our prayer lives. The promise is that our prayers will be answered with good gifts, far better than those our imperfect parents could give. Despite their imperfections and failings, no parent would be so wicked as to give their hungry child a stone, or deceive them with a serpent instead of a fish. So imagine how much more willing and able our perfect Heavenly Father is to give 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 still 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 earnestly desire by knocking, asking, searching. Christ promises: to those who knock, the door will be opened; to those who ask, they will receive; to those who seek, they 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.