Today’s reading is about the art of request or what might be termed the dynamic of request. When we move away from condemning and correcting, even shoving our pearls down people’s throats and consider rather turning other cheeks, we find that we are no longer the problem, the problem is the problem. When we can simply be present with people, most typically in a posture of listening, over time the healing power of the dynamic of request, arises.

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People can always be influenced, the key to kingdom relationships is that such direction is neither manipulative or controlling—it comes from simply asking. Jesus is first referring to human/human relationships when he says in verse seven; “ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Asking is indeed the great law of the spiritual world through which things are accomplished in cooperation with God and yet in harmony with the freedom and worth of every individual.

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In the same way that we are to forgive others to be forgiven by our father in heaven, we are to learn how to respectfully ask others for what we need as we ask God for what we need. When I ask someone to do or to be or to give something, I stand with that person in the domain of a constraint without force or necessitation. We are together. A request by its very nature unites. A demand, by contrast, immediately separates. This is what is happening in prayer also.

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There is great power in simply asking. Asking for anything. Consider the power your dog wield’s by simply sitting at your feet watching you eat that sandwich. In the fabric of the cosmos God has ordained it that asking is ok. Can we ask God for anything? yes. Are we sure of receiving what we have requested? no. But we should still ask. Asking is talking in relationship. As if God doesn’t know the issues you’re dealing with! Talk to him about what matters to you, and ask him for what you need, he will guide you to the truth.