If God knows what we need, why do we need to ask?

This is a question that many people ask. The answer comes from Jesus’ model prayer, His first public teaching on prayer. He taught us clearly that we should ask our heavenly Father for what we need--for our daily bread (Luke 11:3, Matthew 6:11). He went on to tell His disciples at least nine other times that they should ask!

This prayer principle was so ingrained in James, that when he wrote his epistle, he said, "You have not, because you ask not..." (James 3:4, NKJV). That is a startling statement, that we could have needs that are not being met, simply because we don’t ask. Or worse, that those we love could go without because we fail to pray.

Why do you think God waits for us to ask? He knows what we need even better than we know ourselves. Jesus said, "...your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (Matthew 6:8)

Why then, must we ask? For one thing, it clarifies our thinking. For another, it shows that we recognize Who has the supply--for everything we need. The provision for our daily physical needs, as well as for wisdom, guidance, comfort, strength, courage, healing, joy, peace...God supplies it all. And when we ask, we are acknowledging our total dependence upon Him. When we fail to ask, the implication is, we don’t need His help, we can manage on our own. 

Pray with us now -- Lord, we do need Your help. We are dependent on You--for everything. Forgive us when we don’t act like it, when we fail to pray. Help us to follow Your simple command to ask for what we need, trusting You as our God Who hears. We ask now, in Jesus’ name, amen.