Praying with Expectancy

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8 NLT) 

How persistent are you? How many times do you ask God for something? Do you ask once and then leave it alone? Do you ask continuously? You should keep asking until your prayers are answered.  I think that children are the most determined when it comes to getting what they want.  Children will continue to ask their parents for something until they receive it. Sometimes the parent’s answer is “later” “maybe” or “not yet.” It may even be “no.” However, many children still maintain a tenacious and expectant spirit. A recent example of this is my daughter requesting eight dollars for a special lunch that's offered at her school on Fridays. I swear she would not let me forget about those eight dollars...every day, she asked until she received. She made her request known. There was no doubt about what she wanted and she made sure both of her parents knew it. 

With the same spirit, Christians should continue to seek God. He instructs us to keep on seeking, keep on asking, and keep on knocking. This lets us know that what we’re asking for will not always be given immediately. Sometimes His answer is “no” “later” or “not yet.” However, God is more concerned with hearing from us so He desires that we continue to seek Him.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. Keep me from becoming weary when seeking You. Give me perseverance and strength as I wait on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.