A few days ago, I got to hold the manifestation of a blessing that I asked the Father for. The blessing wasn't mine but for someone else and everyone who was aware of the petition (several people prayed for this) continues to thank God for doing what only He could do for this family. Like all intercessors, I spend a lot of time in prayer asking the Father for many things most of which are things that I'm requesting on behalf of His people. And while I was in prayer last night, 1 Kings 3:5 came to mind:
"At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, 'Ask! What shall I give you?'"
Solomon had just inherited the throne as king of Israel from his father David, so this visitation from the LORD was no light thing. However, instead of asking for riches and the lives of his enemies, he asked the Father for wisdom to effectively serve God's people. Verse 10 of chapter 3 says that Solomon's "speech pleased the Lord". In other words, the Father was glad about what Solomon asked from Him.
"Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being 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 7:9-11
If the Lord Jesus Christ visited you in this very moment right where you are and invited you to ask the Father for anything, what would you ask of Him? Would you seek personal gain that only benefits you? Would you ask the LORD to rain down fire & brimstone on the heads of your enemies? Would you ask God for more money and wealth? What will you ask?
"Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. So truth fails, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. Then the LORD saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; and His own righteousness, it sustained Him." - Isaiah 59:14-16
God not only seeks intercessors on the earth but He wants our prayers & supplications to please Him too. So, the next time you go before the Father in prayer, take a moment to consider what you want to ask Him for and why, and whether your request could convince someone to trust in Jesus Christ to be the good Shepherd of their life instead of leaning to their own understanding. Our prayers must reflect our purpose, which is to make disciples of all nations by proclaiming the good news of salvation that Jesus Christ is Lord.
