Jesus commands us to ask. Usually we command others to do something because they probably won't do it otherwise. Surprisingly we have a problem asking God for good things so Jesus commands us to do so. Jesus gives the example of a son asking for a loaf or a fish (Mt 7:9-10). Jesus reasons that if the son gets what he asks for, shouldn't we also ask confidently? Jesus concludes, "If you, with all your sins, know how to give your children what is good, how much more will your Heavenly Father give good things to anyone who asks Him!" (Mt 7:11)
Even though we may not be aware of it, we don't ask God enough and we don't ask Him quickly enough. Our Father complains: "I was ready to respond to those who asked Me not, to be found by those who sought Me not. I said: Here I am! Here I am! To a nation that did not call My Name" (Is 65:1). He commands, "Ask of Me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession" (Ps 2:8). He promises: "Anything you ask Me in My Name I will do" (Jn 14:14).
Try to ask every day for something you never asked for before. Ask God more quickly. How soon do you ask for help in temptation? Do you pray for healing the second you're aware of sickness? Ask the Lord quickly and for more. God loves you.
| PRAYER: | Father, this Lent teach me to be quick on the draw in asking You for all good things. |
| PROMISE: | "Save us by Your power, and help me, who am alone and have no one but You, O Lord. You know all things." –Est C:25 |
| PRAISE: | St. Patrick, kidnap victim and runaway slave, prayed for the conversion of his kidnappers during his escape and subsequent freedom. He later freely returned to the land of his kidnappers to bring Jesus to them. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College