Friday, September 16, 2016

Today’s Reading  |  Luke 11:5–13
And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs. “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (NRSV)

Reflection
How are you and God getting along these days? What kind of a relationship do you have with God?

God is always waiting for us to talk and say absolutely anything. A good start is a simple “hello”; “thank you”; or “I really need help.” It doesn’t matter what we say, just that we say something to God. Talking to God should be as easy as talking with a good friend. It doesn’t have to be anything profound or deep, just a simple conversation. Each Sunday morning we hear many beautiful prayers that are wonderfully crafted and written, but what we say to God doesn’t need to be that polished and professional. We just need to talk with God like God is our soul partner. God already knows us, but this way we can get to know God.

Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” So try asking God something, but know that God’s answer may not be the one we desire. Search for some answer, some truth, and in time it will be revealed. Knock, and some opportunity will be provided, but it may not be the one we thought it would be. What matters is not what we get from God, but that we begin to know God. In that knowing we can find true meaning, overpowering love, and unchanging light. It takes the journey of a lifetime to know God, but at our end, God will be there to welcome us all home. What is that home? To be fully consumed in love.

Prayer
Loving God, help me know you more fully, more deeply, and in that knowing, help me to become one with you, lost in your loving embrace. Amen.

Written by John W.W. Sherer, Organist and Director of Music

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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