The Power of Asking

How many of you have ever been approached by a beggar and felt the power of a request. Or how about trying to enjoy a favorite sandwich in the presence of the family dog. The power of asking is overwhelmingly strong and when we are asked, we usually respond to the favor in the positive. I mean, seriously, how many of you can turn away from those pitiful doggy eyes or from the intrusive request from a smelly stranger. The power of asking is so strong. How many times have you heard people say, "I just have the hardest time saying no." Asking is a strong power!

"In our intimate relationships and associations, the request is by itself usually enough to bring the desired result." - Dallas Willard in Divine Conspiracy

"So if you, twisted as you are, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father, the One in the heavens, give good things to those who ask Him!" - Jesus in Matthew 7:11

So what are you asking God for? What are you begging God for? And if you look at the context of this verse, you will understand that the power of asking goes hand in hand with the power of love because we are not supposed to ask for things that we might have comfort and pleasure. No, no; look at what Jesus says in the very next verse.

"Therefore, whatever you would like others to do to you, do that to them. For this is what the Law and the Prophets require of us." - Jesus again in Matthew 7:12

This is where the power of asking and the power of love meet. We ask the Creator of the universe to work and move in the lives of those around us. We are genuinely concerned about the well-being of others and we ask God to work in and through them.

So I ask again, what are you asking God for? What are you begging God for? Are you asking Him for things that you might spend on your on pleasures and comforts or out of love for others, are you asking Him to move in people for their salvation and discipleship. Are you begging God to save people and restore them to a right relationship with Himself? Are you begging God to heal people's relationships and other hurts in their lives.

Many of us do not really "love our neighbor as ourself". Our askings (prayers) are consumed with our own relationships, stresses, finances, and any other thing that concerns us. May God move in our hearts and change our prayers.

The power of asking is great and God has promised to hear and respond to the prayer lifted in accordance with His will, so when are we going to start asking God to do the things that He already wants to do.

The power of asking is strong and I believe that we will see God show up and show off when we begin praying in accordance with His heart for people!