Hey PPN Family,

I hope that you are all going well.

In John 5 Jesus sees a man who had been unable to walk for 38 years and asks him if he wants to get well. At first glance the question seems quite silly, or even worse, almost cruel and unkind, but scholars point out that even though Jesus knew that this man wanted to be healed, He wanted to hear the man say it.

This begs the question, “Why does God want us to ask him for things when he already knows what we need?” I am currently reading a book on prayer and the author’s answer to this question is that God wants us to ask Him for things because it strengthens our relationship with Him.

Jesus says in Matthew 7:7-8 NIV, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” He then goes on to say in verse 11, “How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!”

Jesus makes it clear that God wants to bless us with good gifts but we have to ask Him for them. When we pray to God for the big things and the small things, we are filled with gratitude when He provides us with these blessings and this joy strengthens our relationship with him.

Even when we do not receive the answers to our prayers that we would like, this teaches us to continue to trust God through our disappointment and that also deepens our relationship with Him.

So this year I encourage you to ask God for the things that are heavy on your hearts, pray to him regarding all of your needs and desires both big and small, because our God is a compassionate Father who loves to give us good gifts.

God bless,

Roland Talamaivao-Amituanai