Just Ask!
Just Ask!
From the time each of you could talk, you learned to ask Dad or me for the things you wanted or needed. After hearing your requests and deciding that they were reasonable, we would gladly give you what you wanted. Our heavenly Father is no different. He loves to have us come to Him in prayer and delights in hearing our voices. He has promised to answer us when we call.
In Luke 11:1-13 Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray.
JESUS’ PATTERN: The disciples saw that Jesus had a regular pattern of prayer. His example encouraged them and they asked Him to teach them how to pray.
JESUS’ PRAYER: Jesus gave His disciples a sample prayer, known to many as the Lord’s Prayer, to show them how they should approach God.
For those who have received Jesus as savior, we have the right to approach God reverently as our Father. Recognizing His authority we must desire and ask for His kingdom to come to earth, recognize that our daily needs are all supplied by Him, and ask for forgiveness of sins as we also forgive others. Finally, we must ask for protection from the evil one and to be spared from the path of temptation.
JESUS’ PARABLE: In explaining God’s desire to hear and answer our prayers Jesus told a contrasting story. He spoke about a man who went to his neighbor friend at midnight to ask for a loaf of bread. Though the neighbor did not want to answer in the middle of the night, he finally did so because of his friend’s persistence. In contrast, our God never sleeps and his ear is always open to our cries.
JESUS’ PROMISE: Jesus promises His followers that whoever asks of God will receive, whoever seeks God will find Him, and whoever knocks
JESUS’ PRESENT: Jesus shows that God is our heavenly Father and will not do any less than our earthly fathers would do. In fact, He will do so much more and will provide the gift of His Holy Spirit to all who ask.
Love,
Mama