DOES He not know far better than we do what is good for us? Is it not, then, needless to come to Him with our requests? He who so reasons overlooks the fact that it is God Himself who bids us ask and who tells us, “Ye have not because ye ask not.” It is clear from this scripture that He has blessings prepared for us which He loves to give, but which will be withheld until we request them. He would have us realize that we have to do with a living God. When we go to Him in prayer and ask Him to give what is on our hearts—of which others know nothing—and then He opens His hand and gives so freely and so generously, we have a positive demonstration that prayer is more than a formal religious exercise. We have reached the ear of God and He has answered in His love and wisdom.
“My Father, this I ask of Thee;
Knowing that Thou wilt grant the plea—
For this, and only this, I pray,
Strength for today—just for today.
I do not ask a lifted load,
Nor for a smooth and thornless road;
Simply for strength enough to bear
Life’s daily burdens anywhere.”
—E. E. Rexford.