The Power of Asking

Have you ever experienced a moment in prayer where you felt the Lord put something on your heart and mind so clearly that it was undeniable? Whether it's a distinct voice or an impression that lingers with certainty, there are times when the Lord makes His presence known in our conversations with Him. It was during our recent prayer gathering that I experienced one such moment.

The Call to 'Ask'

As we wrapped up a session of prayer focused on the Next Generation, I felt the Lord simply say, "Ask!" Now, we had already been praying for nearly an hour, lifting various needs and desires to Him. But hearing this directive felt like both a confirmation and a renewed invitation from God—a reminder that our prayers were in alignment with His desires and that He was there with us, almost like a proud father eager to fulfill His children's requests.

Checking Our Motives

Although we often find ourselves praying for personal comforts—better jobs, more convenience, or even grand vacations—we must ask ourselves: Are our desires aligned with God's will? Are we seeking His glory above all else? Scripture reminds us to ensure our motives are pure when presenting our requests. As James 4:2-3 warns, we sometimes do not receive because we ask with wrong motives.

True prayer isn’t about getting everything we want; it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s purposes. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He focused on God’s will being done and His kingdom coming. This shift in focus encourages us to trust that God knows our needs and will provide if we remain aligned with His intentions.

An Atmosphere of Faith

As our prayer session continued, something beautiful happened in the room. We moved beyond our selfish desires, allowing our prayers to reflect God’s desires for His world. We began asking for things that honor Him, like healing, salvation, community influence, resources for spreading the gospel, and unity among believers.

What followed was a restful assurance of God’s love and capability. When God invites us to 'ask,' He doesn’t only desire to give; He looks to transform us in the process. The atmosphere shifted in our hearts and amongst us, becoming one of expectancy and joy, expressing our faith in God’s goodness.

Pray Boldly & Expectantly

When you pray, remember you are engaging with a God who treasures you. Pray confidently, knowing He listens and desires to deepen His relationship with you. As a church, we are committed to praying for the needs of our community and world. Let’s continue to engage, expectantly praying not just for individual gains, but for His kingdom to manifest more deeply, starting with us.

Expect God to move in powerful ways. Pray for His presence to fill your heart, life, marriage, parenting, work place and our church. Pray for hearts to be changed by Christ. Pray for a tangible awareness of God's love and authority. Pray fervently, and be ready to witness His mighty acts.