How to Pray-Part 3
Matthew 6:11
God has one requirement for those who need provision-ask.
If you've been around Christians or churches for any length of time, you've more than likely heard stories of God's providence in providing for people with needs. George Muller is a popular example of a man who sought God for provisions and saw God work. His orphanage in England housed over ten thousand young people throughout his life. He and his wife started the orphanage in their own home but soon expanded to other residences and soon saw five different homes caring for children under their leadership. Through all this, the Mullers never sought financial support from others nor did they borrow money from banks. They were never indebted to anyone, despite the 100,000 pounds necessary to build the orphanage homes. Muller solely relied upon God to provide food, clothing, materials for schooling, and other items for the children. And God always provided for George. In fact, his orphanages were such a success that many people claimed the poor children who lived there were lifted above their poverty level status and given a second chance in life.
History is full of stories of men and women who trusted God and saw God provide for them in miraculous ways. But despite what some people think, God isn't exclusive in who He provides for. He doesn't provide for "elite" Christians, nor does He restrict His providence to those with certain qualifications. God has one requirement for those who need provision-ask.
Matthew 6:11 shows us the third aspect of Jesus' prayer. In seven words, Jesus shows that any child of His can seek His provision by asking.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Daily physical provisions. Every day each of us has physical needs. Whether it's need for a meal, need for employment, need for direction, or need for an answer; we all have needs. Jesus tells us that when we seek God through prayer, we are to lay those needs before God.
You've no doubt heard sermons on God's desire to provide for you as His child. You realize God's ability to provide for whatever need you have. But have you practiced that knowledge? Have you put it to the test-seeking God's provision personally? Too often Christians understand things logically, yet fail to put them to the test practically. If you have a need, prove God's promise to provide by seeking His provision.
Daily spiritual provisions. Just as we all have physical needs that are very real and often tangible, we have spiritual needs that are often intangible. Sometimes no one knows when you're facing extreme temptation or if you're struggling against the devil's present attack. But as your Heavenly Father, God sees the spiritual battles you face. He knows the needs you have in your spiritual life. As you approach Him with physical needs, be sure to lay all spiritual needs before Him as well.
Jesus has given you a pattern for how to pray. Of course He knows your needs and desires, yet He still desires for you to approach Him with those needs and seek His provision. He wants to be able to meet your needs in a way that will glorify His name.
Think of the physical and spiritual needs you have right now. Have you sought God's help in meeting those needs? Include a time of seeking provision in your daily prayer time. Pour out your heart to God and let Him know of your needs. Then claim His promise in Psalm 34:10, "The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing."
To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.
Daily Bible Reading
1 Kings 21-22 | Luke 23:26-56
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