INDIVIDULARITY
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Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all
that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
Eph 3:20 New HEart english Translation
Your Opening ASK
To ask or not to ask? That is the question.
When I was much younger, I used to fervently, faithfully and repeatedly pray for all types of things. Then one day God said, “Mark, give me something I can work with.”
After a few years of practice and divine interaction, I changed how I present matters to the Almighty. Now I go directly and discretely and as much as possible, I give him something he can work with. (Mt. 6:6)
How will God work with what you’re asking?
Jesus said, “If you ask your earthly Father for bread will he give you a serpent?” Then he continued, “How much more will your heavenly Father give you good things if you ask.” Mt 7:9
The starting point of faith is this; will you get more or less than you ask for? I believe more, much more than you can even imagine or conceive.
It makes perfect and practical sense to start by asking for something you can imagine and are willing to pursue.
Your ASK is the starting point
The purpose of your Opening Ask is to create a point of agreement and a focus of faith between God and you.
The reason you pray to the Father in secret (Krupto in GK) is so your request will be a personal & private agreement. The Father knows what you need, he’s interested in what you ask.
God has demonstrated his good-faith in you though creation, redemption and by personal invitation. It’s your turn to show your faith in what is good him by what you ask him for.
why you have to ask...
it's like when Rick on Pawn stars says to a customer, "what are you asking for this?"
the customer says, "what will you give me for it?"
Rick says, "hey do you expect me to buy and sell for you?"
think of your opening ask as a negotiation: you ask for something, God determines if it's something he can work with.
First, consider who you’re asking…
You are asking God, the almighty creator of everything. The all powerful, all knowing, unchanging, judge and ruler of heaven and earth.
The Father who is almost universally unknown, mostly miss-understood and fearfully avoided by many of those who desire to serve him.
The Lord who is all-too-often worshiped in rote-religious manners and constantly petitioned by the faithful; while he is personally seeking those who will love him with their heart, mind, strength and soul. (2 Chron 16:9 & Mk 12:30)
You are asking a God who wants to hear what you have to say.
If he didn’t then none of us would have anything to share, add or hope for in this life or during the unfolding of eternity.
Second, consider how you’re asking…
- Don’t repeat, don’t beg, don’t apologize.
- Don’t remind God how great he is and how un-great you are.
- Don’t fill the air with lofty terms, titles and attributions.
- Don’t say anything you don’t mean, believe or want.
- Do come as you are, as God has made you.
- Do get to the point of your request.
- Then quiet yourself out of reverence, in faith and trust.
- Stay in the secret place as long as you can.
Third, consider why you’re asking…
Your asking for something only the Father can give and only you can receive.
- To make yourself a contender for the Prize. (Phil 3:14)
- To please him by pursuing what he wants from you.
- You truly and passionately want to know how God will respond.
- Because you want the completed joy that comes with the prize.
MY OPENING ASK:
“Father give me people who openly want what we have long shared in secret.”
“Father give me people who openly want what we have long shared in secret.”
Until now you have not asked [the Father] for anything in My name; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be full and complete.
John 16:24 Amplified
A few bonus thoughts...
What you believe about God defines your true-self
The beautiful thing about faith is how little you have to do with it. Faith is God’s gift; belief is your response to the giver.
What you believe about yourself
determines everything else
One Response
Hey guys. This is my idea of who to start the IDY process. Write a draft of your Opening ASK. You will revise it many times as the dynamic of personally interacting with God begins.
If you want to put a draft of your ASK in the comments, that’s up to you. I’ve included my in the Blog. I plan to run my ASK through the 3 tools: The GPS, The Margin & DO – BE – LO to see how it survives the filters.
Blessings, Mark