Thursday of the 1st week of Lent 

Esther 4:17
Psalm 137(138):1-3,7-8
Matthew 7:7-12

GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS

The biblical assertion, “Ask and it will be given; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened,” invites scrutiny in light of our lived experiences, where the outcomes of prayer can seem inconsistent. Many struggle with unanswered requests, leading to an internal dialogue filled with self-blame or external frustration, questioning either their approach to prayer or God’s fidelity in responding. The complexity arises when one observes the apparent efficacy of others’ prayers while grappling with their own perceived silence from the divine.

A critical distinction emerges from Jesus’ assurance: he emphasizes that the heavenly Father grants “good things” to those who ask, rather than merely fulfilling any request in a transactional manner. This nuanced understanding posits that divine responses are calibrated not to personal desires but to genuine needs—an acknowledgment that human perception of goodness may diverge from divine wisdom. Consequently, while prayers may not yield the anticipated results, the promise remains that God’s answers are rooted in what is ultimately beneficial.

Furthermore, this process involves a relational dynamic where God encourages authenticity. By articulating desires and needs, individuals engage in a reflective practice that serves more to clarify their intentions than to inform God, who possesses foreknowledge of their inner states. This act of verbalization acts as a therapeutic mechanism, fostering clarity in one’s spiritual journey.

Consequently, the call to maintain a relationship with the divine involves an ongoing dialogue—asking, revealing inner vulnerabilities, and sharing life’s experiences. The challenge lies in cultivating a receptive posture to God’s responses, which require one to embrace both the fullness of joy and the inevitability of sorrow inherent in human existence. Engaging in this process equips individuals to respond to life’s adversities with grace, courage, and peace, thereby transforming the interplay of asking, seeking, and knocking into a profound journey of faith and resilience. What greater fulfillment could one attain than the assurance of being endowed with the essential support to navigate life’s complexities? Keep knocking at heaven’s door. 😊

Fr Joseph Osho