Saturday, April 6, 2024 - ASK, SEEK, KNOCK

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Saturday, April 6, 2024 - Day 97 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Judges 20,21; Luke 11:1-28)

ASK, SEEK, KNOCK

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.  (Luke 11:9-10 ESV)

One of the precious gifts God grants His children is the privilege of prayer. 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus teaches us how to pray this way:

 And he said to them, “When you pray, say:

“Father, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come.

 Give us each day our daily bread,

 and forgive us our sins,

    for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.

And lead us not into temptation.” (Luke 11:2-4 ESV)

It is after teaching us the Lord’s Prayer that the Lord encourages us to simply ASK.

ASK

SEEK 

KNOCK

He then guarantees an answer. However, as we learn from the rest of Scripture, we are to ask for earthly things adding, “if it be Your will.”

Take comfort is God’s assurance that He is always willing to forgive those who repent.

1. What a Friend we have in Jesus, 

    All our sins and griefs to bear!  

    What a privilege to carry 

    Ev’rything to God in prayer!

    Oh, what peace we often forfeit, 

    Oh, what needless pain we bear,

    All because we do not carry 

    Everything to God in prayer.

2. Have we trials and temptations?  

    Is there trouble anywhere?

    We should never be discouraged, 

    Take it to the Lord in prayer.

    Can we find a Friend so faithful 

    Who will all our sorrows share?

    Jesus knows our every weakness - 

    Take it to the Lord in prayer.

3. Are we weak and heavy laden, 

    Cumbered with a load of care?

    Precious Savior, still our Refuge - 

    Take it to the Lord in prayer.

    Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?  

    Take it to the Lord in prayer;

    In His arms He'll take and shield thee, 

    Thou wilt find a solace there.

    (“What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” Lutheran Service Book #770)

"See' you in church tomorrow!

Lord God, thank You for the opportunity to talk to You in prayer. Please keep me faithful in bringing all of my needs, joys and concerns to You in prayer. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf