Trusting God with our prayers.

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If it weren’t for the fact that this door is painted white, I might have missed it. It’s tucked away in a tiny alcove, leading to stairs that ascend to a small home above this door. I wonder what’s behind the door? There are no windows in the painted brick wall. It doesn’t look like anyone would live there. The best way to find out would be to knock on the door. But what if no one answers? What if what’s behind there is not what I hope for?  What if there’s something scary inside? It might be safer not to pursue it.

This is what happens when we expect specific answers to our prayers.  Jesus had just taught His disciples how they should pray by giving them the Lord’s Prayer, when He said this:

  “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Luke 11:9-13 New International Version

Sometimes these words are misinterpreted to mean we will get all our desires granted if we are persistent. But the last line says our heavenly Father will give us the Holy Spirit. Not necessarily that job you’ve been hoping for, not winning the lottery, not the healing you seek or the lifestyle changes you hope for in your children. But the Holy Spirit!  Why would this be what He gives if you ask, seek or knock?  Because when we pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy will be done,” we are trusting that His will is good and will be accomplished regardless of our desires. So, he gives us the Holy Spirit as a guide—a counselor—who will give us wisdom and discernment to accept that God might have another plan in mind than what we seek, even if our well-intentioned prayers are not answered the way we want them to be. But rest assured that He will work everything for good, because He is perfect and He loves us.

The Holy Spirit can help you pray when there are no more words, have hope when there is none left, and be encouraged when you think your prayers are not being answered. When the door isn’t opening, your knocking seems unheard and seeking leaves you weary, take comfort in these words:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13

Don’t ever stop knocking on His door! Faith, wisdom and comfort are your special gifts from the Holy Spirit. Know that the Holy Spirit has power to give you hope and will be your comforter in this life. He’s got this. Whatever the situation, He is at your door. Listen for His voice.

 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
Revelation 3:20 New Living Translation

 Even when what is on the other side of the door frightens you, you can be sure that our Lord will give you, his child, good gifts to the end of your days.

Copyright photo and text Desiree Bustamante