The Anchor for Prayer

“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Luke 11:9-13

In the black-and-white 1950s, one of the most engaging shows on television was Father Knows Best. Despite the perils of raising a son and two daughters, the wise father always seemed to have a solution. In the realm of prayer, the principle is at work: God knows best.

When our petitions are mercifully granted - healing for our sick spouse, extra income for a pressing need, a promotion at work - we worship and thank our Heavenly Father for His goodness. When our requests don’t seem to be answered - our sick mate does not improve; the financial need remains unmet; we are passed over for that promotion - we still worship and thank our Heavenly Father for His goodness.

In the first instance that is easy. In the second that is extremely difficult: “Why doesn’t God come through? What is He trying to do to me? Doesn’t He care?” Our view of God is fogged by the confusion over prayer’s primary purpose. Prayer is trusting God to do what He knows is best for our lives not just in the short term but also in the long run.

The character of God is the anchor for prayer. He loves us. He always works for our best. You can always trust Him.