Asking God!

Perhaps we at times find ourselves struggling in prayer. Even Jesus' disciples asked, "Lord, teach us to pray." ( Luke 11:1) We can learn from reading (or listening to) the prayers of godly individuals. Therefore we should be thankful for some of the prayers that have been recorded in Scripture. I don't mean so we can pray those exact prayers, but to see how godly individuals (including our Lord Himself, as we have several of His own preserved in Scripture) in confident faith approached the Heavenly Father.

When we ask God something in prayer, what characterizes our approach? Is it because we feel we have great faith? Is it because we believe we are living a pretty righteous life? Is it because we think God owes us a favor? What is the basis on which we anticipate God's response?

In a prayer from God's faithful servant Daniel we read. . .
"(18) O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For WE DO NOT PRESENT OUR PLEAS BEFORE YOU BECAUSE OF OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, BUT BECAUSE OF YOUR GREAT MERCY." ( Daniel 9:18 ESV)

Daniel knew what he asked was not deserved. His humble request was based on his knowledge of God's MERCIFUL character. To know how MERCIFUL GOD IS helps us understand we can approach Him in prayer with the cares of our life. However, our asking should be with a great deal of humility coupled with the utmost desire for His Will to be done. God, in His great wisdom, will work things out not always the way we think, but the way that is best. Praise God for HIS MERCIFUL LOVE for us all! That is what makes Him approachable.

Have a great day HUMBLY APPRECIATING GOD'S APPROACHABLENESS!
Carl

===========
[This focus was originally sent 04/14/1998 (expanded considerably with passage changed to ESV)]
.
.
.

See other teEn-MAIL on Prayer