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Ask, Seek, Knock

Sep 21, 2014
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King Jesus and the Queen City
Jesus told us to, “ask, seek, and knock.” At face value, this could be misread as, “I can ask God to give me whatever I want and He will do it.” That is absolutely NOT the case. When we ask an infinite God something, we are posturing in a state of humility. We need to have a faith that “drives us to our knees.” Not only do we ask in humility, but we continue to seek as long as it takes to get an answer. Pastor Alex referenced:
1. Jesus in the Garden
2. William Wilberforce – saw slavery abolished just 4 days before he died
3. Dietrich Bonhoeffer – was hanged just weeks before the war ended

We may pray for a lifetime for things that we will never see completed. We need to pray for things bigger than ourselves.

Finally, we must pray with tenacity. Think of it as a dog who is eating a bone. That dog will not let go of that bone for anything, and may even be a little nasty about it! That is the picture we need to have as we pray. Don’t give up, and remember God will answer. It may be “yes, no, or wait”, but He will be faithful to answer…in His perfect timing. Remember Psalm 37:4 that says, “Delight yourselves in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Thankfully, as we continue to be in God’s presence and align our heart with His, then His desires become our desires and we begin to ask for the right things that He has planned for us.

Remember, the greatest “good gift” that God has given us is adoption as His sons and daughters!

To discuss as a family today
1. What is that “thing” in your life that gets you out of bed in the morning? (social injustice, your child’s salvation, fear of loss, your witness, etc…)

2. Are you tenaciously praying for and pursuing that passion? Why or why not?

3. Who in your life has prayed for you with persistence? How do you know that?

Prayer
Praise God for who He is. Praise and thank Him for adopting you as His child. Ask, in humility, for God to _______________. Thank Him for hearing your prayer. Choose to trust God for His answer, but be persistent in praying without ceasing. Confess that God is greater than you and has a perfect plan. Thank Him for allowing you to be a part of His plan, and choose today to align your heart with His.

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