Biblical Teaching 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!?! Am I considered evil? Yes, but that is not the main point here. Even the kindest most generous father is tainted with sin and therefore pales in compared to God’s Fatherly goodness. The loving and yet “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 part of the family of believers and will look to do good to all people, especially our brothers and sisters. We are disciples of Jesus serving in work that glorifies the Father.”
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.
Prayer Thoughts
Chapter 44
Safety
Safety has been one of my most common prayer petitions for myself and others during my entire life. Maybe it has been the same for other Christians. Here are a few prayer requests that Kurtis, our son and his wife, Teresa, posted on their blogs from Huanuco, Peru during 2010 – 2011:
- For health, safety, and peace for our family.
- For safety, healing and justice of the thousands of young victims of violence and abuse.
- For evil to be bound and cast out, especially where practices of witchcraft and other demonic activities are occurring.
- For our family and local staff to be safe and protected from crime. (The Paz y Esperanza office was robbed twice this past year.)
Got his book? Read pages 199-202 in Keep Me and Keep All, Smith.
Also check out Pastor Bob’s answer to Prayer Question #33 on page 277: “Where is a good place you can pray quietly?”