BEFORE WE ASK!

BEFORE WE ASK!

Matt 6:5-8

5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

         Heaven has been put on alert! Someone shouts: “Ready the resources!” Another commands: “Dispatch the angels!” Some believer, poor, weak and needy, is about to pray. He hasn’t prayed as yet but his mind is racing and his heart is aching. He closes his eyes, folds his hands and lowers his head. He speaks and heaven responds like a rifle shot for God knows the things we have need of before we ask!

         Jesus introduces His model prayer, the one we call the Lord’s Prayer, by reminding us that God is aware of our needs before we even ask. The disciples had asked Jesus to teach them to pray as John taught his disciples. It was important to understand that rapid repetition of routine prayers does not equal earnestness. Once we have exhausted all our memorized prayers we can finally begin to pray.

         Honor the God of heaven. Pray that willful earth align itself with the will of God. Thank God for the simple things like daily bread. Most everything we need is linked to our relationships so pray for forgiveness and reconciliation. Ask for protection because evil is all around us. Acknowledge God’s authority (kingdom) and his might (power) and His eternal majesty (glory forever). This is the essence of the Lord’s Prayer.

Ps 38:9

9 Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.

Dear Lord, thank you for eavesdropping on my heart. AMEN