Our scripture this morning is Matthew 7:7-11.
“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give 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!”
Jesus gave us a model prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. It is an outline that we still repeat today as The Lord’s Prayer, guiding us to an effective relationship with God. This connection is essential to our lives, here and in eternity. While God already knows our thoughts and needs, prayer makes us part of the kingdom building process.
Jesus teaches us to be persistent in prayer (asking, searching and knocking), not that we must beg for God’s blessing but that we must be in touch with Him on a regular basis. Prayer is not a wishing well or a magic lamp, but allows us to bring our needs, our joys and our concerns to Him. We must be prepared to listen, not just speak.
Jesus reminds us that we “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!” God is the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17) and He is always ready to hear us when we come to Him in prayer.
Loving Lord, send Your Holy Spirit to be Your presence with us and to guide us daily. Help us to be the bearers of Your light and love to a world that desperately needs Your blessing. Amen.
