As I continue to refine this “blogging” thing, I realize it can’t be a “set-in-stone” exercise. An initial idea can change; demands change if that furthers the purpose of the writing. So I have altered my self-imposed rule to not write on Sundays. Instead I will allow the Holy Spirit’s promptings to take the lead . With that in mind, know that I began this post yesterday after reading a familiar scriptural passage: “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10) Jesus spoke these words to the disciples as an addendum to His instructions on how they should pray. In usual fashion, He continued by giving the example of a father who despite his faults knows how to give appropriate gifts to his children. And He concludes with these words, ” 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 the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11: 13)
Like many on this journey to glory, I’ve understood verses 9-10 to mean all I need do is ask, seek and knock for the things I desire and God will respond favorably to my requests. But a more thoughtful look at Jesus’ teaching on how to pray reveals more. First, the Lord’s Prayer begins in praise of the Father and then makes three specific requests: give us daily nourishment (for body and spirit*), forgive us our sins as we forgive others theirs, and lead us away from temptations. Jesus further offers the example of the man whose boldness in asking prompted a friend to respond favorably to the request, followed by the example of the father and his children. Then in verse thirteen He crystallizes the point of this teaching on how to pray.
Our heavenly Father’s gift to those who ask is the Holy Spirit. For it is through the gift of His Spirit that we receive His hope, joy, peace, abundance and love. With the Holy Spirit’s guidance we know what to ask for; what to seek after; what doors to knock upon. Without the gift of the Holy Spirit, we approach God’s altar seeking things of the world rather than that which brings Him honor and glory.
A refining of scripture for me. I hope for you too.
Love. Joy. Peace.
*My interpretation