C.H. Spurgeon once said, "Prayer pulls the rope down below and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly; others give only an occasional jerk at the rope. But he who communicates with Heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continuously with all his might." How would you characterize your prayer life? In this verse Jesus reveals three Prayer Patterns desired for Christians:

PETITION PRAYER
“Ask and it shall be given you”

The word “ask”, also translated crave or desire in the KJV, is our invitation to come to a heavenly Father who loves us and is committed to providing for His children. If we ask it says it will be given to us. The only things held back are things God knows would not be the best for us. However, it should be noted that it does not say we will get our requests right away. In fact there are times when prayers appear to go unanswered for long periods of time. It is not because God is not hearing or He is not interested, it is because His timetable is not the same as ours. When we trust His word to meet our needs, there is great comfort in this promise. The Bible tells us to pray in Jesus’ name “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13) Jesus glorifies through answered prayer. Note also what John says in (1 John 5:13) “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” Our prayers are heard when they are according to His will. Thank God for His will, His ability and His love that answers our prayers and gives us great hope.

Another pattern of prayer is shown by the words “seek” and “find”. Here is a prayer for understanding and guidance. We seek in order to find out. God knows all things. Not only about you but, about everything that touches or will touch your life. Many things we don’t understand, some things will remain hidden but we can seek the answers to many things not understood on the basis of this promise. The psalm writer in Psalm 34:4 said, “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. “ Deliverance from fear would indicate God’s answer by saying He would protect and provide. In (Isa 45:19), God said, “I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.” What guidance do you need today? Look to God and His word. He has revealed Himself and His will to guide, deliver and protect us. In fact, we need to keep close communication with God at all times that He may lead us in His paths of righteousness.

Have you ever gone to someone’s house and knocked on the door with only one knock? If so you are unique. Ordinarily we knock more that once. Most would knock frequently and if we know definitely the person is at home, we’ll keep knocking until someone answers the door. In this verse God tells us that persistence in prayer is all right. We can ask the same thing more than once. I have some prayers I have repeated to God for the last 20 years. I know God is listening. He doesn’t need reminders, I just believe He is looking for me to be faithful in my requests and let Him know my heart. Do we weary God by continually coming to Him? Men may grow weary, but God delights in the prayers of His children. “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks: For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thes 5:17,18)

Dr. Thomas Carter, an ex-convict, tells how his mother constantly prayed for him. On one occasion while he was in prison, she received a telegram stating that he was dead and asking what she wanted done with his body. Stunned by the news, she opened her Bible and laid the message beside it. "Oh, God," she said, "I have steadfastly believed that You are a rewarder of them who diligently seek You. I felt sure of Your promise that I would live to see Tom saved and preaching the Gospel; but now this wire says he is dead. Lord, which is true, this telegram or Your promises to me?" When she finished praying she felt so certain of God’s promise, she sent this note to the prison: "You must be wrong. My boy is not dead!" Indeed, there had been a mistake -- Tom Carter was alive! He was later converted and lived to preach! God is faithful and often answers our prayers in ways that surprise and delight us. Remember these promises as you pray and give God the glory in whatever way He chooses to answer. God bless.