Ask And Receive

Mark 11:24-25 – Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. (NIV)

After searching at the public library for a rare book I wanted to read, I asked a library worker if it was available. She replied, "We do not have it in this library, but we are members of the Pines System. We have access to eight million books from 265 libraries across Georgia. We can get the book for you."

A week later, I left the library with my desired book. Had I not asked for assistance, my goal would not have been achieved.

How many times, I wondered, had I neglected to ask God in prayer for things I wanted, but rather had insisted on searching on my own?

Jesus wants us to ask Him for what we want and need. Why do we hesitate to do so? Are we afraid to ask in prayer because we hold things in our hearts against others? Or do we have pride in our hearts and insist on doing the search on our own rather than asking for help? Sometimes all that is necessary is to ask for forgiveness for the sins that are blocking our channel — whether pride or our unwillingness to forgive others. Then the light shines through, and we are able to find that which we are seeking or to receive that which we need.

Prayer: Lord, we do not ask because we do not feel worthy. Guilt and sin block the pathway between You and us. We seek in vain, but we do not find. Help us to ask and to clear the pathway for communication with You. Amen.