Asking Boldly
Praying like he actually listens.
Why most of us ask God for too little.
The big idea
We're more likely to under-ask than over-ask. He can handle the bold prayer.
What does “Asking Boldly” walk through?
Ask, Seek, Knock
Matthew 7:7 · KJV
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
In plain English
Ask — you'll be given. Seek — you'll find. Knock — the door opens.
Three Verbs
Notice the verbs: ask, seek, knock. All active. All persistent. Not 'wait quietly and hope.' Jesus invites us into bold, active prayer. Most of us are too polite with God.
With Boldness
Hebrews 4:16 · KJV
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
In plain English
So come boldly to the throne of grace. There's mercy and help waiting for you when you need it.
“You don't have to whisper. He's not going to be embarrassed by what you want.”
Big and Specific
Pray bigger and more specific than feels comfortable. Not 'God bless my work,' but 'God help me get this account.' He may say no — but he's not offended by the asking. He's offended by the not asking.
Pray
Father, take the timidity out of my prayer. I'm bringing you the real ask today. I trust you with the answer, whatever it is.
Write it down
What's something you've been afraid to actually ask God for? Will you ask him now?
You finished: Asking Boldly
Bring him the real ask. He's not going to be offended. He might surprise you.
Which passages does this journey use?
2 passages, drawn from Matthew 7:7, Hebrews 4:16. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 5 minutes for the whole thing, or 6 short sittings.
- Matthew 7:7
- Hebrews 4:16
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
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