August 2002

Asking is the rule of the kingdom

'Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.' (Matthew 7:7)

Jesus tells us to persist in asking, not to give up but to keep on praying for what we need, either individually or when we come together to pray. We can take heart from Jesus’ words and we can keep seeking knowing that we will find, keep knocking knowing that he has the answer and that with faith, focus and persistence it will be revealed to us.

I was reminded of this verse during the holidays, as I came across a quotation from Charles Spurgeon - 'Whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the kingdom.' I thought this was so encouraging that God delights in our asking. He is pleased by our asking and wants to answer prayer and this extends and increases the kingdom.

We have extended our prayer meetings by introducing a Summer Programme for the first time this year. Every Wednesday during August different prayer leaders and worship leaders have led a Prayer and Worship meeting in Church House. About 100 people have come each evening and we have been able to cover prayer for international and national events and HTB and the wider church. It has been an exciting and fruitful time.

Deirdre Hurst

This article is an edited version of one first published in Focus, August 2002. Reproduced here with permission.