Message #5 (of 20) from the PrayerPower radio series
"Asking - God’s Way"

by Kaye Johns

Prayer promises must be considered in the context of the passage in which they appear, which often does indicate conditions. Jesus’ promised that when we "ask, seek and knock" in our prayers, our heavenly Father will hear and answer, giving much more than we ask. [Matthew 7:7-8]

But this incredible promise is in the context of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus tells us how we are expected to live [Matthew 5-7]. We’re to be salt and light, filled with good deeds and praise for the Lord; more righteous than the Pharisees, who tithed, prayed, fasted and knew Scripture.

We’re not only not to murder, but to give up our anger; to recognize that the lust of the eye is adultery of the heart. We’re not to divorce or go back on our word or take vengeance. We’re to love our enemies, give to the needy, pray daily, fast regularly, give up seeking treasure on earth, refuse to worry and seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. We’re to forgive others everything, not to judge or be hypocritical, and to build our lives on His truth.

Then--out of a life of obedience--we come to our Father to "ask, seek and knock" in the assurance that we will receive all that we ask, and more. Impossible, you say. Nobody’s perfect. True. But it’s not our strength, it’s His--Christ in us, helping us live the life that opens the door for the Father to give "much more."

Pray with me now -- Lord, we thank You that in our weakness is Your strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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