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You do not have, because you do not ask.
—James 4:2
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Have you ever thought it strange that Jesus tells us not to waste words because our Father in heaven knows what we need before we ask (Matt. 6:7–8), but then a chapter later suggests we should ask, seek, and knock through prayer (Matt. 7:7)?
For this prayer guide, I’ll share what I’m finding about how Jesus guides us beyond a transactional view of prayer and into a more robust understanding of how God engages with our requests.
When we put words to our needs and desires, especially the ones that are difficult to articulate, we create pathways for clarity and connection. The request itself, in a sense, becomes a road for us to travel. So the ask is where our journey must begin—it is the first (often hesitant) step.
As we travel this road of awareness, we develop a better sense of what we’re actually looking for. We are no longer just askers, we are now seekers. With greater frequency, we notice how God responds within our everyday lives. These confirmations of God’s activity feed our faith, and we can’t help but notice intersections between the words we pray and our Father’s will.
The final movement—knock—is what settles us in the House of prayer. It is where we abide with Jesus, and he abides with us. It is the place where we share the secrets of the heart. In this place, words are still necessary but intimations speak the loudest. Jesus’ will becomes our wish, and our prayers carry his authority (John 15).
When we finally go to knock, we realize that the Son’s already at the door . . . knocking. I guess we just couldn’t hear him.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)
Response
We mustn’t forget that we don’t pray to perform a religious exercise. We pray to participate in what’s most Real. This week, I want to challenge you to ask, to seek, to knock. But don’t strive and struggle to perform. Rather notice what happens within you as you move through prayer’s phases. Ask yourself, How is the Spirit transforming my world to reveal God’s work in my life?
Closing Thoughts
When it comes to prayer, Jesus puts great emphasis on what the Spirit is doing in and around us. God’s Spirit is the One, after all, who pierces through pretense, pride, and possibility, the One who sorts through the messiness of our heart, making it home.
Seeking with you,
Addison
P.S. If don’t have the Words with God book yet, be sure to get it through Amazon or the Messenger Store. 🙂 I spend a good amount of time on the theme of asking and receiving through prayer.
P.P.S. If you’re new to these prayer guides, then welcome. I’m glad you’re here and grateful you’ve joined us on this journey of rediscovering prayer as a way of life.
