Boldly Asking

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

1 John 5:14

 In him (Christ) and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Ephesians 3:12

Several years ago, I made plans to do a “bucket list” hike.  I had never hiked to the top of Yosemite Falls or Yosemite Point.  As I prepared for this trip, I remember talking with a friend, confiding that I was praying for a hiking day there which would include both blue skies and some puffy white clouds as those conditions make awesome photos!  She questioned praying so specifically, like maybe it was enough just to ask to have sunshine.  After all, this wasn’t a life and death prayer, but a simple desire for a small thing that would provide joy.  

Yet in Matthew 20:29-34, two blind men were sitting by the side of the road and heard that Jesus was passing by.  They shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us”, a rather general prayer.  Jesus asked them what they wanted him to do for them, so then they very specifically replied that they wanted their sight.  Jesus had compassion on them, touched their eyes, and they could see. 

 We are encouraged to be specific in our prayers, understanding that God loves us whether the answer is “yes” or “no” or “not now”.  We are to go boldly to our Abba Father and ask with confidence, knowing that he grant our request IF it is in His will.  Whether big or small requests, our prayers are always significant to God and we always use our time wisely if we are in conversation with God, both talking and listening.