Why Do We Have To Ask? 

Adulthood throws many challenges our way. Adjusting to a new job, selling a business, raising two teens…all this change can be almost too much to bear. As followers of Christ, we know we’re supposed to pray and seek God’s guidance, but life is just so busy. God knows us through and through, so why do we have to ask for what He’s already aware of? He knows our cares, our pain and our sins. Why do we need to ask for peace, healing and forgiveness? 

Simply put, we are told to. First Thessalonians tells us to pray without ceasing (5:17). He didn’t provide us with much wiggle room. As forgiven children of God, we are called to hold open a line of communication between us and the Creator of the universe. What a big command! And also a beautiful opportunity. But how do we keep that line of communication open when distractions weigh us down?

Spend time with your heavenly Father in prayer. He will hear you! James 5:16 states the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. When we leave an open line of communication to our Heavenly Father, we show Him that we are reliant on His guidance in our lives. And it allows for us, as His children, to remember that He holds our lives in His hands.

Remove prideful behavior and thoughts. “I can do it on my own.” Sound familiar? More often than we’d probably like to admit, we rely on our own strength to guide us through life. But no part of our life is too small or too big for our Lord! He wants us to rely on Him, not on ourselves. When we pray, we’re recognizing His power and sovereignty over all things.

Do as Jesus did. If our goal is to continually become more like Him, we should mirror His behavior. After Jesus had finished a habitual session of prayer, He was asked to teach the disciples how to pray. Jesus’ response: “When you pray, say...” Not if, but when. In Gethsemane, Jesus cried out to God to take the cup of suffering from Him. If Jesus needed to call on the Lord, how much more do we? 

If you find yourself fretting, stop and pray! God will not mock or dismiss us. If we believe and ask in His name, we will receive His word in our lives (John 14:13). 

Dear Lord, forgive me for not coming to You with all my cares and requests. You love us and are faithful to hear our prayers. Overwhelm me with Your presence and peace and guide me in following Your will during all seasons of life.

This devotion provided by Jennifer Cunningham of Compassion International, Executive Assistant and Child Advocate