We start a new paragraph topic in three parts: (Power of prayer) Part 1.
Christ now gives a new topic for comment in the power of prayer. In previous sermons in chapter 6 Christ has already told us to pray in secret and he has given us an outline for praying. Here he tells us that there is power in prayer. He tells us to ask, to seek, and to knock. In doing these things we will receive, we will find, and when we knock doors will be opened to us. He did not qualify our asking. He did not say what we should seek. He did not tell us what doors to knock upon or what doors we should stay away from. He gave us open statements. He, however, in previous statements told us that our heavenly father already knows what we need.
What then shall we ask for? Shall we ask for money? Shall we ask for a good job? Shall we ask for a spouse? Shall we ask for a new car? Shall we ask for a good grade on our tests? Shall we ask for material things or shall we ask for spiritual gifts? What shall we seek? Shall we seek fame? Shall we seek our own glory? Shall we seek earthly powers? Or shall we seek for righteousness and justice, and knowledge and wisdom and love? What doors shall we knock upon? Shall we knock upon the door of privilege? Shall we knock upon the door of wealth? Shall we knock upon the door of long life? Shall we knock upon the door of good health? Or shall we knock upon the door of heaven to let us in? Shall we knock upon the door of our hearts to be opened to the Holy Spirit to come and live with us, to guide us, to protect us against the evil one.
Christ gives us an open invitation. Choose what to ask for. Choose what to seek. Choose what to knock upon. For whatever you choose it will be given to you. Whatever you seek you will find. Whatever door you knock upon it will be opened to you. The choice is yours. Shall you choose the world to seek and find? Or shall you choose the kingdom of God to knock upon to be opened to you?
We live in a world that caters to its own whims, desires, and passions. And yet we are distinct from it. It will engulf us, surround us, consume us, if we do not exercise a choice, if we do not choose. Not making a choice is a choice in and of itself. For that choice allows us to continue in the world. And even when we choose other than the world, the world will continue to attempt to create doubt and fear in our hearts due to the constant barrage of questions that it throws at us on a daily basis to challenge our beliefs. Straddle the fence if you like. But half of you cannot live in heaven and half in the world. Our choice requires commitment. Our choice requires dedication. Our choice demands that we give our all and not half, or one third or one fourth. God wants us to live with him one hundred percent. The choice is ours to have. Choose correctly. Choose right. CHOOSE God and live by that choice.
