“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

(Matthew 7:7 NKJV)

You’ve stolen a few moments alone. You retreat to your favorite place to pray. Maybe it’s the quiet of a prayer closet or the comfort of an easy chair. If you’re like me, you prefer to step outside with the sun’s warmth on your face and the song of birds filling the air.

I recently asked my women’s ministry group to share their last text messages. My plan was to create new devotionals from their answers. Two ladies volunteered their personal messages. As I considered both possibilities, I realized both messages demonstrated attitudes about prayer.

One message was apologetic: “ hey again, sorry for another text.”

I might not verbalize the words, but my heart utters them. “Sweet Lord, it’s me again.”

“I’m sorry to ask this again.”

“I hate to bother You when I know You’re dealing with much more important matters.”

Does this sound familiar? Does an attitude of insignificance lurk in the depths of your heart? Perhaps, someone has convinced you that you were unimportant in the past.

Sister, I’m going to say the word we dislike, and remind you about something I never want you to forget. You are not nagging Jesus! Say it with me, “We aren’t nagging Jesus.”

He wants to hear from us. The second text message sets the stage for Jesus’ attitude: “Let me know you’re Okay. Call if you need me. Love you.”

No, we don’t have to let Jesus know how we feel. He already knows, but He cares. Therefore, He is eager to listen and console us.

Our focal verse contains His own words.  Jesus desires for His daughters to pour out their hearts to Him. The good, the bad, and the ugly. He wants to hear all about it.

He wants us to ask Him to heal our bodies. He wants us to ask Him to save lost loved ones. He wants us to ask Him for our spiritual needs.

Jesus wants us to seek His guidance before we act. Jesus wants us to seek His wisdom. Jesus wants us to seek His truth.

Christ wants us to knock. Christ wants us to boldly hammer upon heaven’s door without giving up. Christ wants us to pray long and hard.

This is such a God thing! Nestled among two random text messages, a deliberate message about prayer awaited us.  Which attitude do you possess? Which attitude do you want to adopt?

Next time you pray, enter in expecting a warm welcome. Run into the arms of Jesus. Unveil your heart, and then, instead of rushing off, be silent. Let His words of comfort soothe you

Sweet Jesus, thank You for commanding us to pray. I need this reminder today. I am asking. I am seeking. I am knocking. Thank You for hearing me and what You plan to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DIG DEEPER

Read Matthew 7:8 NKJV:

“For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

HIKING THE TRAIL

How will this change your prayer life? What changes will you make today? Comment below, please.

RELATED RESOURCE

We are beginning a new Bible study in our women’s ministry Facebook group. Here’s the details.

Walking by Faith Bible Study will:

*Enable you to create and shelter a private time with God.

*Build a strong foundation for a faith without limits.

*Discover how to counteract fear and worry with faith

*Train your eye to find God’s conditions on promises so you can go one step beyond claiming a   promise.

*Be prepared for those “oh ye of little faith” moments

*Know the difference between cowardice and moving on.

All you need to do is join our group. Click here

Originally posted on April 26, 2021 @ 3:00 am