I remember leading a Bible study discussion a couple months ago, my group was studying Matthew 7:7-12, a passage out of Jesus' famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount. The entire time I was leading the discussion, I was asking questions directed towards the students, smiling, encouraging them to explore Scripture more deeply and truly trust in the words of Jesus...

... Except I found myself disagreeing with just about every word Jesus said. In that passage, Jesus tells His disciples to "ask, and it will be given to [them]" (Matthew 7:7, NIV). The idea of God actually following through and giving me "good gifts" seemed not only doubtful to me, but I also had absolutely no faith that any prayers or desires I had would be answered.

Fast forward those couple of months, and I found myself moving into a house in Bellingham, where I was in desperate need of a job. I say was, because I learned that, in fact, God gives good gifts to those who ask.

Now, I want to preface this encouragement to pray by saying: I prayed this last month in a way I hadn't prayed before, focusing on things that I truly hadn't ever intentionally prayed about until this point.

It's not like I've been praying for a fancy new car, or to inherit an absurd amount of money... not because I don't believe God could bless me with those things, but because our asks when we pray should focus on seeking "first His Kingdom and His Righteousness" (Matthew 6:33, NIV).

I began to pray for a job that would keep me in Bellingham, so I could stay as a missionary for students at Western Washington University. I prayed daily that God would provide, for my needs to be met solely for me to do His will in the city He placed me in.

And sure enough, God provided not one, but two jobs! I received the first job offer (working morning shifts as a custodian), which provided just enough money for rent, food, gas, and my gym membership, just enough money to do what I prayed for (keep me alive and in town)! But the same day I also received a text from one of my pastoral staff mentors (who just so happened to stop by my house that morning), connecting me with a $15 an hour electrical odd job for a friend of a friend.

This job gave me money for me to actually tithe and give back to God, as well as extra money to put into my savings or to use or gifts.

Not only that, but within this month other things I've been praying daily for having been coming to fruition, like family members' health being restored, opportunities to grow deeper in relationships with my friends, and more!

Ultimately, my point is this: God wants to bless you, He wants to give you good gifts. But in a sense, it's like coming to your parents with a Christmas list as a kid: your parents are more likely going to give you something you need, that would help you, and that would bring you true joy and fulfillment.

You could ask for nothing but video games and candy bars, but even a half-decent parent would go "actually, let's think about this, and keep in mind what you need and would bless you the most."

In the same way, I encourage you to break out a prayer journal, and daily pray /reflect/posture yourself towards asking of God what you truly need, what would bless you (and others) the most, according to His will, seeking first His Kingdom.

"How much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!" — Matthew 7:11, NIV