Message #7 (of 20) from the PrayerPower radio series
"The Deeper Life of Prayer"

by Kaye Johns

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that when we ask we will receive from our Father in heaven much more than any earthly father would give [Matthew 7:8-11].

To help us understand this side of God’s character, Jesus was comparing Him to an earthly father who loves his children and wants to give them what they ask, and more. Setting aside our personal childhoods, we should pay attention to Jesus’ reasoning here. He is not only showing us that the heart of our Father is to give much more than any earthly father could or would, but there is more to consider.

Put yourself in the father’s place. Your child, whom you love, comes to ask for something. What would you, as his dad, have to consider, if you were going to be a good parent? Certainly, you would not give him anything that would hurt him. You wouldn’t give him anything he shouldn’t have, that wouldn’t have a good influence on him. You wouldn’t give him anything he wasn’t able to handle, would you? Nor would you give him something less than the best you would prefer to give him. Our heavenly Father is no different.

Now consider the child. If he has been misbehaving, disobedient or out of touch, would you be likely to give what he is asking? Doesn’t the father-child analogy assume responsibilities for the child as well as the Father?

Pray with me now -- Father, may we come to prayer as children who delight You in every way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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