BEFORE YOU ASK!

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

BEFORE YOU ASK!

Matt 6:7-8

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.

           These verses comprise the prelude to the Lord’s Prayer. Earlier, Jesus addresses whether prayer should be public or private. He prefers private, in-the-closet, prayer. He also seems to prefer simple and straightforward requests rather than flowing and flowery speeches. Certainly he seems not to think much of what He calls “vain repetitions.” An example of this would be the usage of the word “Father” or “our Father” a dozen times while giving thanks for a hot dog with chili and cheese.

           Before you pray, God knows WHO you are. You do not need a photo ID with proof of address. You are well known to God. In fact it is likely that He knows you better than you know yourself and he loves you anyway.

           Before you pray, God knows WHERE you are. No smoke signals or flares are needed to get God’s attention. You are on God’s pin-point radar. He found Moses on the back side of a desert. If you feel that you have been abandoned or forgotten then you are mistaken. You may feel that God has hit the “pause” button on your life machine but you need to be ready when God decides to hit “play.” You really need to be ready when He hits “fast forward!”

           Before you pray, God knows WHAT you need. This is specifically mentioned in verse 8. I even like the way He says it. He knows “the things ye have need of!” What things? Well, things like food, clothing, shelter, water as well as the intangibles like peace-of-mind. He knows what you need. If you need rest, He will likely provide a time when work is slowing down. If you need a friend, it may surprise you who walks into your life or calls you on the phone. He knows what you need.

           Before you pray, God is eagerly waiting to answer. There is ample evidence in Scripture to support the idea that God ENJOYS answering prayers. James tells us that we “have not because we ask not!” 

John 16:24

ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Dear Lord, I know that your ear is bent toward the prayers of your people. Hear us as we pray and answer speedily with the supplies you have held in reserve beforehand. AMEN