Biblical Teachings on Prayer
Matthew 7:11
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
~ Jesus
Pondering Point
What!?! I am considered evil? Yes, but that is not the main point here. Even the kindest most generous father, loving his children yet tainted with sin, pales in comparison to God’s Fatherly goodness. That “evil” father knows how to give good gifts – don’t we all as godly-yet-sinful parents? If that is true, obviously the Father who is ALL GOOD will also know how to answer our prayer requests in ways that are good!
There is further instruction on this topic in Hebrews 12:5-13. As our Father, God desires to have us sharing his holiness. Beyond that, you can find the Apostle Peter teaching that we have everything we need to participate in that holiness of God (see 2 Peter 1:3-4). Your Father desires to bless you. Affirm that and agree with it out loud: "My Father loves to give me good gifts when I ask Him."
We add our identity in Christ today, reminding ourselves that God does not withhold blessings from us in spite, but rather sees us as holy and righteous through Jesus. He wants to bless you!
• In Christ, we are holy through the washing with water and the Word, and like everyone connected to Jesus, are without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
Hebrews 12:5-13
5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
2 Peter 1:3-4
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Prayer
Father God, I do want to participate in your Divine nature, in your holiness. Thank for you for your gifts, for your promises and for your goodness that comes to me through Jesus Christ my Lord. May I honor you by the way I live my life, trust in your promises, and celebrate your goodness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.