Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
Jesus. Matthew 6:8. Hi, it’s Nathan, and this is Day 7 of 30 Days on the Mount of Blessing, PT 2.
So why ask? We blurt out, unable to restrain ourselves. Good question. Let’s think for just a moment. Notice, Jesus does not say ‘don’t ask.’ He says, ‘don’t be like them.’ Like them—people who thought they needed to get their distracted, pre-occupied, resentful, or otherwise inattentive deity’s attention. Some great act or desperate plea might get their number called sooner, might grab the god’s interest for a fleeting moment. And then—watch for it—an incredible truth begins to dawn on our dull minds: our God is different. We already have his kind, full-hearted attention. Perhaps Jesus thought to himself—isn’t it obvious? I’ve left the God-family to make my home among you, to join the human family. To give myself to you—for you. Can’t you tell you’re already the center of God’s tender interest, gentle care? So don’t pray like your ignored, alone. Don’t pray like your God is distracted or disinterested. Pray like he knows—and cares about you. Pray like you matter to him. Pray like he’s unstoppably driven to love you with all of his great heart—never hesitant, never uncertain. Pray like you KNOW that he loves you. Because he does. Unquestionably. Irrevocably.
