July 23, 2023
What is your ONE BIG ASK?
1 THE PERSISTENCE
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 ESV
2 THE PRINCIPLE
ASK,
“For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:8 ESV
3 THE PROMISE
GOD’s
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11 ESV
What is your ONE BIG ASK?
THE PAUSE: 10 MINUTES WITH GOD
MONDAY | Just Ask, But Ask Wisely
PASSAGE: James 4:2-3
PAUSE: Jesus’s brother James taught us that when it comes to prayer, we often struggle with life because of two cardinal sins. First, we stress and manipulate rather than pray. Second, we ask with selfish motives. Spend a few moments reflecting on the words of James. How might praying with the right motives and desire change your life?
PRAYER: Father, forgive me for not praying and for praying selfish prayers. Help me to seek You daily and for the right reasons.
TUESDAY | Devoted to Prayer
PASSAGE: Colossians 4:2
PAUSE: Paul challenged the early church to remain steadfast in prayer. Devotion and commitment are essential to a healthy relationship with your Heavenly Father. He also encouraged them to be thankful when they pray. Reflect on your devotion to prayer. What improvements can you make today?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, increase my devotion to prayer and allow me to be more thankful for all the blessings You have showered upon me.
WEDNESDAY | Our Father in Heaven
PASSAGE: Matthew 7:9-11
PAUSE: Jesus invited us to pray to our Heavenly Father. Jesus introduces a new approach to prayer. Our ask is not to a distant God, but to a personal Heavenly Father who loves us deeply. How do you view God? Is God a loving Heavenly Father or is God a harsh deity who is judging your daily decisions?
PRAYER: Father, thank You that You want us to call You Father. It is a privilege to be called Your sons and daughters. Create a desire in us to talk to You daily.
THURSDAY | When You Pray
PASSAGE: Matthew 6:5-6
PAUSE: Jesus expects us to pray. In this sermon, he taught his disciples how to pray. He encouraged them to find a private and secret place where they could pray. Do you have that place? A quiet place to pray with just you and God.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, grant me a place, a place for just me and You to pray. What a wonderful surprise that You will reward me for my prayers, I give You thanks and praise.
FRIDAY | Seek First His Kingdom
PASSAGE: Matthew 6:33-34
PAUSE: Jesus doesn’t want us to worry. Stress is selfish. Jesus wants us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Seeking first His kingdom comes with a promise, God will take care of all of our needs. Life will always be full of problems, but worry is not the solution. Seeking the Lord is the answer. In light of this passage, why do you worry about the things you can’t control anyway?
PRAYER: Father, forgive me for the times I worry. Allow me to seek You first, Your kingdom and Your righteousness is what I desire. Thank You for Your provisions.