We have quit asking, we have quit seeking, and we have not knocked for so long that we have even forgotten where the knocker is!
What do I mean by that sentence? Well, when is the last time that we actually talked to God the Father, petitioning him about some circumstantial issue that might involve either ourselves or someone else?
Have we honestly prayed about something or for someone within the past few days? Then again, when was the last time we just talked to God to give him thanks for what he has done in our lives?
We always seem to pray for the important things, but we seem to forget to pray for the trivial things. There are times when our prayers seem to go unanswered. We can become discouraged.
1. Ask God in Prayer
Answers to prayers and events happen on God’s time, not ours. So, what are we to do when we come to the throne of grace and petition the Father on behalf of either ourselves or for someone else?
Jesus tells us to continually seek after God. Individuals regularly surrender after a couple of weak endeavors and presume that God cannot be found. Yet, realizing God takes confidence (faith), centeredness (focus), and completion (follow-through).
Jesus guarantees us that our endeavors will be remunerated. We ought not to surrender in our attempts to look for God. Keep on asking him for more patience, love, knowledge, wisdom, and comprehension. He will offer them to us (Matthew 7:7-8).
This is not an assurance that we can get anything we want essentially by asking Jesus and believing. God does not give us demands that would hurt us, hurt others, or go against his own temperament or will.
Jesus' assertion is definitely not an unlimited free pass. For our prayers to be fulfilled, our solicitations should be in line with the standards of seeking God's kingdom.
The more grounded our conviction and belief, the almost certain our petitions will be in accordance with God's will, and afterward, God will be glad to give them (Matthew 21:22).
Jesus, our model for supplication, when implored, “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36). Our prayers and petitions are regularly propelled by our own desires and wants.
We like to hear that we can have anything. In any case, Jesus prayed for God's will to be done. When we pray, we should communicate our yearnings, however, we should want his will to be done over our own.
We should examine ourselves to check whether our petitions center around our inclinations or God's (Mark 11:24).
Jesus says to “abide in” him. This refers to the individuals who are really associated with the True Vine, and who bear spiritual fruit, therefore (John 15:1-6). This additionally alludes to those in whom his words reside.
That suggests a similar established, personal, nurturing relationship just as a plant and its branches. In different spots, Jesus unmistakably associated fulfillment of prayer to the will of God (Matthew 6:10; Matthew 26:39).
2. Seek God in Prayer
We are not to function as if God is like a snack or soda machine, where we can select what we want. Addressed supplication only happens when what we ask is essential to God’s will (John 15:7).
Have any of us at any point become worn out in petitioning God for something or someone? According to Paul, we are to “continue in prayer,” which means we are not to stop praying. Persistence exhibits our confidence that God answers our petitions.
Confidence ought not to falter and die assuming the responses come too gradually, for the postponement might be God's approach to working his will in our lives.
Whenever we feel fatigued in our supplications, we should realize that God is available, he is continuously listening to us, and he is continuously acting; perhaps not in the manner that we had expected, but in the ways that he knows are ideal (Colossians 4:2).
God does not allow each neglectful or childish solicitation. To “ask in faith” signifies asking with certainty that God will adjust our longings to his purposes.
A brain that wavers (“nothing wavering”) is not totally persuaded that God's way is ideal. It deals with God's Word like any human guidance holding the alternative of noncompliance.
It sways between sentiments, the world's thoughts, and God's orders. If our faith is new, feeble, or battling, we should recall that God is dependable. We ought to be faithful to him. To balance out our faltering or suspicious mind, we should submit ourselves wholeheartedly to God (James 1:5-6).
If our conscience is truly clear, we can come to God unafraid, assured that our solicitations will be heard. John reaffirms Jesus' promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7; Matthew 21:22; John 9:31; John 15:7). We will obtain when we obey.
When we obey, we ask in accordance with God's will. Obviously, this does not mean we can have anything we want, like instant wealth. If we are genuinely looking for God's will, there are a few requests we will not ask (1 John 3:21-22).
The significance here is on God's will, not our will. At the point when we speak with God, we do not request what we want, but rather we discuss with him what he wants for us.
If we adjust our petitions to his will, he will hear us; and we can be sure that when he hears us, he will offer us a distinct response (1 John 5:14).
3. What Does it Mean to Knock?
In John 16:23, Jesus is referring to a new relationship that is between God and the Christian. Previously, priests were the go-between or mediator for people to reach God.
After the resurrection of Jesus, believers could straightforwardly move toward God. A brand-new day has unfolded and presently all believers are considered as priests, where they can speak with God straightforwardly and in a personal way (Hebrews 10:19-23).
We can come toward God, not in light of our own legitimacy, but since Jesus, our incredible High Priest, has made us satisfactory to God.
Notice at the beginning of the chapter (John 11:2-4), the order of the prayer that Jesus was teaching the disciples? Jesus praised God first, then he made his requests.
Too often our prayers are more like shopping lists than two-way conversations with God. The teaching here is not that selfish requests will be granted.
The meaning is that there will be receiving, finding, and opening of doors for the one who asks, seeks, and knocks according to God’s will.
We can trust the Heavenly Father to give what is suited to fulfill one’s needs. Our part is to be open to God; his part is to give as he alone knows to give.
For further reading:
What Does it Mean, ‘You Have Not Because You Ask Not’?
'Ask and You Shall Receive' Bible Meaning of Matthew 7:7
What Does it Mean to Seek God’s Face?
Should Christians Seek Revelation from God Apart from the Bible?
Why Does Jesus Call Himself 'the Door'?
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This article is part of our prayer resources meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
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Morning Prayers
Prayers for Family
Prayers for Surgery
Prayers for Strength
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The Lord's Prayer: Our Father
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