Our text this past Sunday reminded us to knock and the door will be open to us. So, how do we knock? Jesus reminds us that persistent prayer is the way to communicate with our loving God, who desires to be in a caring, loving and intimate relationship with us.
However, how does prayer work? Sometimes it might feel like we continue to ask, but our prayer is not heard or answered. Perhaps when that happens, we begin to wonder if God is really listening. Perhaps we wonder if it is us. Are we praying the right way?
What if we saw prayer as a way to grow in that intimate relationship with God and we acted as though what we ask for would be granted. For example, perhaps we are praying for a friend to be less lonely. We lift that prayer request and then go visit our friend. God did answer our prayer with our own actions.
What if we pray for less violence in the world and then contact our legislatures about a bill that supports actions that could lead to less violence. Jesus invites us to persistent prayer.
We are also invited to trust in a God who loves us, hears our prayers and responds. Sometimes that response is our own actions that make that prayer be answered.
If you need prayer or wish a conversation, email me at pastor@stmatthews-elca.org
Blessings and prayers,
Pastor Lesley