Saint Margaret of Scotland
Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. (Luke 18:6)
This is a “how much more …” story. If the crooked judge eventually gives this petitioner justice because she wears him down with her persistence, how much more will God act swiftly on behalf of his children? He knows what we need. He has the “big picture” about how our needs and gifts intersect with those of others, and he always chooses to do the most loving thing possible.
What would our prayer look like if we really believed in such a Father-Judge? Or to put it another way: the way we pray can say a lot about the way we imagine and relate to God.
For instance, if it’s our habit to pray only as a last resort, it may be that we don’t think God is concerned about the details of our lives. We think that he has left us to do the best we can on our own and that we should call out to him only when all else has failed. But the truth is, he sent his only Son to be with us and to make every resource in heaven and on earth available to us—at every point along the way (Ephesians 1:3).
Another example may be if we keep telling God over and over what we want. We may think that God is stingy, uninterested, quick to punish, and slow to give us good things. Or perhaps we fear there may be a conflict between his will and ours—and we are determined to change his mind!
Let’s approach our loving Father as children who know that he loves us. Let’s believe that he wants to give us every good gift, beginning with the Holy Spirit who inspires our prayers in the first place (Romans 8:26). Let’s remember another “how much more” promise from Jesus: “If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11:13).
“Father, in your great kindness, you have made me your child. You know the desires of my heart, and you know what’s best for me and for those I love. Hear my prayer, and show me what I can do to bring your kingdom into clearer focus in this situation.”
Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9; Psalm 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43
Daily Marriage Tip for November 16, 2013:
Social Media rule for couples: Make it clear on your profile that you are married and refer to your spouse in complimentary ways. Share your passwords with each other readily. No need to hide if it’s truly innocent.