So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.
—Luke 11:9

Life moves on, sometimes against our will. We grow older and, hopefully, wiser. As our days unfold, doors close on outdated opportunities and open up on new possibilities.  Time doesn’t stand still; it progresses whether we are busy or idle. 

In order to take advantage of the time—redeem the time, as St. Paul says—we need to pray descriptively. In other words, we need to ask God for our needs in clear detail. If in our prayer, there’s no specificity about our desires, how will we recognize those new and relevant opportunities when it comes time for us to act on them?  Jesus was clear when he said, “Ask, and it will be given to you.”  

Consider this example: An employee believes he has the credentials for more responsibilities in his company. He prays and asks specifically for new opportunities that allow him to advance in his career.  Later, when he least expects it, he is approached by a supervisor who offers a different job opportunity than his current one—with a substantial increase in pay.

He remembers his prior prayer. His discernment about the answer he will give the supervisor begins as he asks his first question of God, “Is this the new door you are opening for me?” 

Prayers are not always answered in the way we expect or even in the way we may want, but we are told to ask. God knows our hearts,and when we pray in faith and with clarity, we are surprised by the graciousness of heaven. We may even, from time to time, witness a miracle.

Gracious God, give me boldness in my prayer that I may believe that you always hear those who call on you in faith.

^{Copyright © 2009 Cleophes Carter Jr.}