Open the Door

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (Matthew 6:8-9)

Many Christians have asked me over the years, “Why do we have to ask God for things if He already knows we need them?” God is a gentleman and won’t force His will or even what’s best for you unless someone asks Him. He is all-knowing and all-powerful, but also all-loving. The 17th century theologian John Wesley once said, “God does nothing but in answers to prayer.” He understood God does not force His will upon humanity. As a personal God, He desires to interact with us and has given us authority and responsibility as His representatives on earth.

In Matthew 6:8-9, Jesus was teaching the disciples about prayer. He began by saying the Father knows what we need before we ask. God knows all the secrets that you don’t post on social media. He knows the clandestine operations of government officials. He is omniscient, which means He is all knowing. But in explaining this to the disciples, Jesus didn’t end there. He continued to teach them how to pray.

God knows everything about what is going on, but He needs his ambassadors (you and me) to ask Him to move on the earth. God wants to get involved, but will not move unless we ask. He is waiting for you to open the door so He can bless you and give you those things you need!

Practical Application

God wants to be involved in your life and in the concerns that you have, but He needs you to open the door to His involvement through prayer. Remember, God does nothing but in answers to prayer.

Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9