Bible Reading: Luke 11:9, 10
Is it wrong to ask God for things?
No!
In today's Bible reading Jesus, Himself says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." God wants us to ask Him for things. He expects us to ask Him for things.
What kind of things does God want us to ask for?
Main things to focus on in our prayers/to ask for:
1. Forgiveness (Matthew 6:12).
2. Deliverance from sin's power & from future sin.
3. Wisdom, knowledge, and discernment for all situations.
4. Strength, courage, patience, direction, clarity, and help in dealing with all situations in ways that please & honor God.
These are all things that God wants us to have. They are things that honor God and help us to become more like Jesus and better serve God. They are things that please God and advance His purposes. We can't get these things from God if we don't ask for them!
While God does want us to ask Him for things, we must be careful of how we ask. First, we must be right with God, free of sin, or our requests won't be granted (John 15:7, 8).
Second, we must ask using the authority of Jesus' name (John 14:13, 14).
Third, we must ask with right motives, not for selfish or self-serving reasons, but to honor God & accomplish His purposes (James 4:3).
Fourth, we must believe that God is willing and able to give us what we ask for (Matthew 21:22).
Fifth, Pray with a friend. When two or more ask God for the same thing (things that honor God & further His plans) God will answer (Matthew 18:19).
God is an expert at giving good answers to those who pray & ask for them (Matthew 7:11, 12) so we should never wait to go to God with our needs or the needs of others. God is ready now to give you everything you ask for in Jesus' name.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7 & 8
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I have something to ask You....In Jesus' name. Amen.