June 21

Prayer That Obtains

So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. — Luke 11:9 BSB

There are several conditions for true prayer. First, it must be earnest. There are times when we are aligned with God’s purposes and may dare to be persistent. Prayer must also be offered in the Name of Christ, meaning it must be in harmony with Christ’s nature, which sought only the glory of God and the blessing of humanity. When we pray in His Name, our prayers are purified from selfishness. Additionally, prayer should be grounded on a promise of God, much like a cheque presented at a bank.

But even with these conditions, it is faith, not prayer, that obtains God’s promises. That’s why Jesus emphasizes the importance of receiving: “Everyone who asks, receives” and “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24).

The process of receiving might be described like this: The soul kneels before God, praising Him for His greatness and goodness. A specific need arises, and knowing that it is promised in Scripture, the believer presents the request confidently, as a child would to a parent. With earnestness, the petitioner explains why the gift is needed. But then, instead of leaving the matter in uncertainty, the believer, by an act of faith, receives the spiritual or temporal gift, knowing that it has been granted, even if it hasn’t yet appeared. Just as a gift might be purchased but not handed over until the right moment, so the answer to prayer is received, even if it isn’t immediately delivered (1 Samuel 1:15, 18, 27).

This is what Jesus meant by “receiving,” and it makes prayer more definite. It leads to praise because we can thank God for the answer, knowing that it’s already on its way. We must not only pray—we must also receive.

Prayer

We rejoice that our Savior ever lives to intercede for us as our High Priest and Mediator. Through the rent veil, may our prayers ascend to You, mingled with the fragrance of His merit, in whom You are always well pleased. Amen.