CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 950

“What Would You Ask For”

In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.” (2 Chronicles 1:7)

Imagine being gently awakened by Jesus in the middle of the night. He smiles and waits for you to regain your bearings. Then as you blink and rub the sleep from your eyes He says to you, ‘Ask what I shall give you’.

How do you respond? How much time do you need to think it over? Perhaps you recall Scriptural truths like: Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13) and …Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24)

Then the carnal thoughts invade your mind. Isn’t that the way it always is – the enemy of your soul always being there trying trip you up? You think of all the material wealth, power and prosperity that you could ask for and then the Holy Spirit counters with the truth of God’s Word: For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? (Mark 8:36)

Elisha asked for a double portion of the Spirit that was upon Elijah. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” (2 Kings 2:9)

Solomon asked for wisdom to better serve the people and his God. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” (2 Chronicles 1:10)

David asked first and foremost to abide in the Lord. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. (Psalm 27:4)

The truth of the matter is that this scenario plays out continuously in our daily walk with Jesus. Our prayer life is supposed to be a life of prayer. …pray without ceasing… (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

I am challenged by these Scriptures to examine the priorities of my heart and to be honest with myself. Am I truly seeking first His kingdom and righteousness above all that is carnal and temporal? But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

We can deceive ourselves, but we cannot hide the truth of our heart from the Lord. The heart is deceitful above all things…I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

May a double portion of the Holy Spirit be upon your life. May God grant you the wisdom and discernment to pray in accordance with His heart and perfect will. May you have a heart after God like David and may your prayer life be a life of prayer bringing glory to God by all you say and do.