“It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without heart.” – Mahatma Gandhi

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Matthew 7:7

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find.”

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Jesus’ words to his followers here can make you scratch your head.

Really?

All I have to do is ask God for something and, presto, I’ll get it?

We all know this is not true!

Well, it depends on adding more context.

Jesus was talking in regard to prayer requests.

And then he added: “Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:9-11).

Jesus puts this in the context of God being your loving parent.

For any of you who are parents, do you just give your kids anything they ask for, or do you consider their request as to whether what they’re requesting is good for them?

And, as Jesus said, If you know how to give what is good to your children, how much more will God give you good things?

Remember, “God is love” (1 John 4:8).

Love can only take part in the flow of Love.

The requests Jesus mentioned are requests for food, the very sustenance of life.

They are not about material things.

Material things are fine as long as you don’t get attached to them and connect the meaning of your life to them.

Our lives here on Earth in these physical bodies are not about amassing material things.

Our lives are about giving and receiving love.

As St. Paul said, If I do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1).

As Pierre Teilhard de Chardin said, “We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

We need to connect with the Love of the Universe on a spiritual level, surrendering our ego’s desires, and then asking for what we truly need.

Centering Prayer or other forms of meditation can play an integral part in this process.

Sit silently, allow your thoughts to diminish over and over and over again, and be present.

When you are an open vessel, you are in the perfect position to receive.

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Listen to the song of the day “Slow Me Down” on the Mercy Reigns album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!