Do we ask for things? For some of us (myself included), that answer is a certain 'yes'. Not just asking for things as in items, but things done for us, especially if you're good at taking on a leadership role. If you like to be a leader, you tend to ask things of those around you, delegating responsibilities to those you trust, and even to those you feel may need the push. We may even go in the opposite direction and ask for things which make us look lazy, such as for someone else to do the chores, someone else to do your work, someone else to take on the big tasks. In both cases, we are asking for help, for aid, whether to be humble and require assistance or to find peace and make the lazy response. We know how to ask for help, but do we know how to Seek help from God?
Today's Gospel states:'And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and he will answer from within, `Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him 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!"'(Luke 11:5-13).
Today's Gospel teaches us that we need to ask, to knock, to seek and we will find what we need, the help we need in God. However, if we go about our daily lives ignoring what's important, finding other things to fill the place that our faith needs to take, then we will be empty, lost. Something as simple as watching some daily inspirational devotion videos, or doing a reading instead of binging Netflix can make all the difference. It brings your focus more on God, and away from the temptations of the world. Take some time to ask God to be present in your life, to fill your life with possibilities and to help ask for help where it truly matters.
Today's prayer comes from 'belief net' a prayer in times of trouble:
Lord, in every need let me come to You with humble trust saying, "Jesus, help me." In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations, Jesus, help me. In hours of loneliness, weariness, and trials, Jesus, help me. In the failure of my plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles, and sorrows, Jesus, help me. When others fail me and Your grace alone can assist me, help me. When I throw myself on Your tender love as a father and savior, Jesus, help me. When my heart is cast down by failure at seeing no good come from my efforts, Jesus, help me. When I feel impatient and my cross irritates me, Jesus, help me. When I am ill and my head and hands cannot work and I am lonely, Jesus, help me. Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls, and shortcomings of every kind, Jesus, help me and never forsake me. Amen.
