Dr. Ted Kitchens, former Senior Pastor of Christ Chapel Bible Church, asked our congregation last Sunday about our thoughts on two verses and how they could possibly relate when they seem to be opposite of each other. One was that we have not because we ask not. The other was that our Heavenly Father knows what we need before we ask Him. So why pray if God already knows what we need?
He opened the floor to allow several folks to give their answer. I had an answer but was too shy to share it. But it just won’t leave me alone, so I’m going to share it here.
I’m going through my Bible study, “Elijah,” for the second time (yes – it’s that good and speaks that loudly to me right now), and that morning, I had watched that week’s video sermon. And wouldn’t you know it, but Priscilla Shirer addressed prayer as we are at the part where Elijah stepped forward and prayed for the fire to come down.
I love what she said about prayer, and I wanted to share it Sunday morning, but fear kept me quiet. I hate that, but it is what it is. But I will not keep quiet here….
Priscilla said that prayer is the privilege and the key that unlocks all the things that God has already planned to do for us anyway.
Isn’t that wonderful??? God, our most loving Heavenly Father, already knows what we need. And He stands ready to provide for and act on our behalf. But we have not because we ask not. Picture Him standing there with a gift of a blessing just waiting for you to ask Him for it. He will not force it on you, and when you ask, He will not withhold it. But the connection is the relationship in which you talk with Him, fellowship with Him, and ASK Him.
So, Lord, I pray that I do not miss out on any blessings, lessons, trials, and refining experiences simply because I do not ask. And please do not let me miss any divine touch on my life.
If you don’t know my God and Jesus like I do, I’d love to introduce Him to you. If you do, I encourage you to ask, seek and knock. He is waiting to answer, join you, and open the door.
Heart and Soul Messages 