Ask, Seek, and Claim

“Jesus said: ‘Ask, and you will receive what you ask for.  

Seek, and you will find what you seek.  

Knock, and the door will be opened to you.’”

— Luke 11:9

Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:

• Jesus teaches throughout the Gospels that God is gracious, loving, and compassionate, always desiring to give us what we want.
• When we pray, we can request whatever we desire.  Though, our prayers also help us discern whether what we seek is truly what we want.
• All our prayers are answered, though we may not receive the exact answers we expect.  For example, when we pray for a little red Corvette, we may really be asking for transportation and receive it in another form.  

Contemplation Questions:

• What have I been requesting?
  • List as much as comes to mind, no matter how small.  Anything from a new job to pain relief counts.

• What have I been seeking?
  • List as much as comes to mind.  This category may include things like peace of mind or assurance.

• What doors are opening for me?
  • List as much as comes to mind.  Open doors are all the opportunities and possibilities we see before us, including people to assist us.

• When I contemplate my lists, what do I notice and how do I feel about what I see?
  • Highlight, circle, or underline specifics.
  • List all feelings, remembering that some, like disappointment and relief, may go together.

• Do I truly want what I’m requesting? 
  • If Yes, continue.  If No, stop.  If Unsure, pause and wait.

• Am I going in the best direction for me?
  • If Yes, continue.  If No, stop.  If Unsure, pause and wait.

• Is this absolutely, truly what I desire?
  • If Yes, continue.  If No, stop.  If Unsure, pause and wait.  

• Does the open door lead where I want to go?
  • If Yes, continue.  If No, stop.  If Unsure, pause and wait.

• What prayers already are being answered, though not as I expected?
  • List all that apply, noting as many specifics as you can.

Take as much time as you need to create and contemplate your lists and discern your true desires.  Continue using this devotional until you feel clear that you are walking through the best open doors for you.