Your Father Knows

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your to-do list when you pray? Or do you feel worried that you might have forgotten something and somehow, you’ve “missed it” with God? That maybe you should have prayed a little more, a little harder, or maybe with a certain technique? I know I have.

I used to get so stressed that I would pray the wrong thing, or not pray enough. I felt a huge burden on my shoulders that it was “up to me” to pray that God would take care of all of my affairs. While I do believe there is value in prayer and intercession, I think it’s easy to miss an important point that Jesus emphasized about prayer when it comes to our personal needs.

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Matthew 6:6-9 (ESV)

Ever since I started to grasp an understanding of what this passage meant, I decided to stop worrying about praying for “needs” and essentials regarding myself and my family. It has taken a huge burden off my shoulders, and it has made my prayer time much more enjoyable where I can just simply focus on the Lord and be with him.

And what is even more wonderful is our Father not only meets our needs, but our heart’s desires as well.

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

I will share with you a small example. I have recently gotten into wooden spoon carving as a hobby- it has brought me joy in its simplicity and as a way of artistic expression. This morning I was thinking about how I would love to have some cherry wood to carve, but we unfortunately don’t have any on our property (and I have no idea where I would even get some). Not even a half hour from when I had that thought, I looked down at my phone and saw a text from my brother-in-law. He was telling me he was cutting up some cherry wood today and asked me if I wanted to have some! I was blown away!

I have had many such instances over the past few years. He really does care- even about the small things!

Take comfort today, knowing that your Father in Heaven already knows what you need. Be at peace in his Presence and let yourself fall into his loving embrace. This Rest will begin when you BELIEVE that he knows your needs and has a desire to meet them. Even the smallest fleeting thoughts don’t go missing with Him- he knows your heart. Even the things you think are too “trivial” to even mention, he treasures.

Let go of your burdens and worries about your needs and rest in Him- he knows. And as you delight in Him (and enjoy his delight of YOU!), he will give you the desires of your heart.

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But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

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Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Luke 12:6-7 (ESV)