Journey of Prayer

Wednesday February 3

Day 23

And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them. Mark 10:13-16

The above passage is one of my favorites in all of scripture. We get to clearly see the heart of God as Jesus delightfully gathers these children in his arms. The little ones have nothing to give as they approach him. This makes zero difference to Jesus as he embraces each one. Rather, that's the picture he is painting for us to see. He willingly blesses each empty-handed, fully-dependent child that comes to him.

I think we tend to make our Christian faith far too difficult. Can we today just become like children again? Let's forget the man-made expectations of what a pious-prayer-life should look like, and instead choose to approach as trusting child. Children, in their innocence and even ignorance, ask for anything; and then, the loving parent gives what is best. Can it be that simple?

Scripture says, "If you then who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask" (Matthew 7:11)

This verse came to life for me the other day when I ordered the perfect gift for my son-in-law for his upcoming birthday. We share a common appreciation of a particular author/blogger, so I got on-line, did some investigating, and bought Kyle one of this writer's books. (Don't tell him!). I'm smiling even now as I am thinking about giving it to him because I know he will love it! Likewise, as the above verse clearly says, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things...? God knows each one of us intimately and wants to give good things to us intentionally. We must trust in what those good things from his loving hand will be. For example, in our childlike faith, we may be pleading for an exorbitant amount of "cotton candy" but what we really might need is a healthy portion of "broccoli". Although this analogy sounds no fun (especially if you don't like broccoli), I can assure you that our Father's good things for us are far better than what we might view as "good things". Again, it's about trusting him as you receive his embrace and his blessing.

Notice one more phrase in this verse: He will give good things to those who ask. So, what is our job as as dependent daughter? We are to ask.

Our Father gives to those who ask.

Are you asking? Are you trusting?

Soul Sister, approach him in childlike confidence and ask. Relish this relationship--this, the relationship between you and your Father which is full of pure and undefiled love on his part, is your first and best good gift! Open your heart and allow him to delightfully bless your dependent faith in ways that are designed uniquely for you.

For further reading: John 1:12-13; 1 John 3:1; Matthew 7:11

Dear Lord,

Here I am. You know and love me inside out. Thank you for your willing embrace, no strings attached. Remind me that you delight to give to your children! So surprise me today, dear Father, with your

intentional gift, hand-picked just for me. I'm asking in faith as a child, and thanking you in advance.