Your words…

Jesus said, “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him? Matthew 7:7-11

My words…

Praise

I read today about a famous Hollywood actress who is asking publicly for prayers for her seriously ill relative. So, I prayed (as You know). There are many others, I’m sure, who did the same as I. But I also know there are many who prayed to a god who did not hear them. I am confident You heard me because You hear everything. My prayers do not bounce off images of wood or stone or gold. They penetrate the holy aura of heaven, winding their way among the harmony of angels and the clash of archangels’ swords. My prayers transcend time and enter the realm of eternity where they are held in the hands of Your perfect will. My prayers leave my lips as sloppy, halting, inadequate words and pass through the discerning intercession of Your Spirit, translated into a prayer worthy of Your attention.

Prayer for me

I often wonder about the time You spent with Your disciples. I imagine they asked You a lot of questions. (I would have.) And I imagine You answered every single one of them, in Your own way (by asking a question in return!). I’ve asked You a lot of questions myself. Some remain unanswered, but I have Your permission to keep asking. You apparently aren’t bothered by persistence. And repetition. (Thank You.) Lead me toward a place where I am not bothered by persistence. And repetition.

Prayer for others

Today I pray for those who have stopped asking. They prayed but felt ignored. Discouragement crept across their spirits, and they abandoned the pathway of prayer. They witnessed others’ answered prayers and convinced themselves they aren’t worthy of Your attention. I pray something will move them to keep asking, for it’s in the asking that we grow.

Thank You

You never toss aside my prayers. They are precious to You. I have forgotten most of my prayers, but You have not. You could recite each one back to me. Thank You for our many conversations, but most of all, thank You for allowing me to ask away.

More praise

One of my kids called me the other day asking, “Do you have time to talk? I have a question.” My answer? Always. What’s your question? Talking to my kids is like opening a Christmas gift. I come away with another priceless memory. When I come to You asking, “Do you have time to talk? I have a question.” You say, “How much more….”