A Reflection On Approaching God

When I am hesitant to ask Him for what I need

“You don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it,” writes James (4:2). Jesus says clearly, “Everyone who asks, receives” (Matthew 7:8). In fact, many of His parables are about asking—persistent, bold, specific asking.

Jesus insists on specific requests, even though He knows all of our needs before we even ask. Perhaps He insists so we’ll recognize His answer when it comes—a gift specifically from Him and specifically for us. Perhaps it is so that when the answer comes we will clearly see how His will differs from our own limited vision. Perhaps it is so we will remember, having voiced our request, to give thanks when it is granted. Perhaps the asking and receiving give witness to the world in a way that the presumption of providence would not.

We wonder sometimes why God has not met a certain need. Our first step, often neglected, is to be specific. We must ask.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

Mark 10:51