Matthew 7:7-12
Reflect
Jewish tradition taught that there were a few people of God who could pray with such boldness, they could request and receive whatever they asked for in prayer. These individuals, like Elijah, had hearts submitted to God. In our passage today, Jesus makes a surprising invitation to the crowds gathered; they too can ask, seek, knock, and expect God to respond. It’s not reserved just for the “holiest” of God’s people. In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, when we follow the teachings of Jesus--submitting to his Lordship--we too can be so bold.
In James 5:16-18 we read “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”
Have you considered that your prayers could be answered like Elijah’s? If not, what is the limiting belief present? Do you believe that God hears and values your prayers?
If you don’t already have one, consider beginning a prayer journal: a dated record of your asking, seeking, and knocking. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers that they would be in alignment with His will. And then boldly ask your Father!
Pastor Melissa
Pray
- Pray for our Prime Minister and Premier, Mayor Sohi, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to your mind.
- Pray for our Worship Ministries Assistant, Daniel Zander.
- Pray for our Evening Event Hosts, Ethan Okken and Noah Okken
- Pray for our office staff: Vicky Bailey, Naomi Voss; bookkeeper Liudmyla Lushchyk.