These are the words of Jesus Christ. What is it that you could have but you do not ask? Our Lord Jesus invites us to ask and then trust Him. This simple truth is so very often overlooked, perhaps because of various reasons; i.e. self effort, unbelief, etc.

Please remember this format:

“When the request is wrong – God says NO!
When the timing is wrong – God says SLOW!!
When we are wrong – God says GROW!!!
But when the request is right, the timing is right, and we are right, God says GO!!!!”

Take a moment to check out and see where your prayers match any of the above model. Then make the necessary changes so that your prayers line up with the biblical criteria for answered prayers.

Keep in mind, the key of persistence in prayer (Luke 11; 18). Both of these accounts in Luke’s gospel record Jesus Christ’s instructions to His disciples {and us today} the importance of not “GIVING UP” when we pray.

For instance, in Luke 11, the man would eventually receive the “bread for his friend” because he kept knocking on the door until he got an answered. Secondly, the widow in Luke 18 was finally avenged of her adversary – got an answered – because she kept on pursuing her case before the judge {“bothered” – the word indicates she figuratively beat him black and blue} until he gave into her request. Both of these examples were given by Jesus in regard to answered prayers.

How often do we GIVE UP praying because there is a delay in the answer. Don’t forget our God knows best. That is where we have to TRUST in Him! By the way, Solomon wrote the only true way to TRUST Him is with ALL of our heart, not 1/2 or 3/4.

Did you notice the word “ALL”? Are you trusting in the Lord with ALL your heart? Truthfully? Honestly?

So in concluding, put the two irrevocable principles together – prayer and faith – cousins! After reviewing this devotion, take a moment to see what you are praying, how you are praying, why you are praying, and then THANK GOD for answered prayers!