Pray Boldly
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find …” Luke 11:9
A dear lady once told me, “ God has given me the most important things I’ve prayed for - children and the truth that they are good people. I don’t want to bother God and ask for more.” I never could convince her that there is not a limit to how many times we can go to God in prayer.
Life is challenging and catches us off-guard sometimes. I believe we need God’s help every day. Instead of limiting what we pray for and how many times must knock on God’s door for help, Jesus was teaching His disciples that prayer is not a single, one time request, but a constant petitioning for God to answer us and supply our daily needs.
Bold prayer is not bullying. Bold prayer acknowledges that asking God for help is our privilege as His children through faith in Christ. In bold prayer we know that we will receive an answer—and that it will be given with love and kindness. For Jesus says, “If you … know how to give good gifts … how much more will your Father in heaven give … ?”
But the answer might be different from what we expect. For example, it could be “No, you’re not ready yet” or “Yes, but far more than you imagine!” Though answers come in many forms, Jesus calls us to persistent engagement with the Lord, who will not turn us away.
Dear Jesus, build up our capacity to pray boldly for your kingdom to come. Help us to pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit, knowing that You will hear and answer our prayers in the way that is best. In Your name, Amen.
Inspired by a Today Devotion