Just Ask…

Do you remember being a kid and wanting to ask a question, but being too chicken to do so? I was definitely that kid. Often, I had a question and would ask the most trusted adult, who would then whisper “just ask _________” filling in the blank with the appropriate adult’s name. At that point, my question would no longer seem all that important.

It’s amazing how often we approach God like a scared little kid asking an intimidating grown-up a question.

It’s easy to subdivide prayers into categories: God sized requests and things too small for His attention. For me, praying for other people is always in the “God sized” category, while praying for myself often falls into the “Don’t Waste God’s Time With This” section.

I really struggle with waking up most days and, because I go to bed so late, morning tends to be difficult for me. The other day I had to wake up around 4 a.m. to drive my friend to the airport. I didn’t go to bed until around 1:00 that same morning, so I knew I would be struggling and I took this petition to God. I prayed 1. for me to fall asleep quickly (it normally takes me 1-2 hours to fall asleep) and 2. that I would wake up at the right time to be able to drive my friend so she wouldn’t miss her flight. These are pretty insignificant prayers in the grand scheme of things, but they were important to me. These were weighing on my mind: I didn’t want to be responsible for my friend missing her flight!

But, in the end, that morning went smoothly. I woke up at my alarm, immediately got dressed, and was ready to go. The traffic was minimal so, even though we left a few minutes late, we still got there with plenty of time. On the way back home, I was so overwhelmed with thankfulness to God. I offered up my little prayer, my small request that is nothing for him, yet he didn’t turn up his nose at my request. He didn’t laugh at me for being concerned about something so small. Even my little concern wasn’t too insignificant for God.

Now, I must have this disclaimer: I think that the majority of our prayers should be focused on other people. We need to be praying for our governmental leaders, our pastors, our church family, lifting up the needs of the community and the world to our Father. We should be interceding for those who can’t pray for themselves and warring against the darkness in this world. Yet, amidst that, we can offer up our small requests to God. You are not small or insignificant. Your prayers and your concerns are worth offering up to God.

Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

To go Deeper: Read Let Us Pray