The Bible says “God knows our needs before we ask,” so why do we need to ask?

A great question. One that I’ve received more than once. The underlying question often is “Why bother praying - God’ knows what we need... and besides He’s going to do what He wants anyway.”

It is very true that God knows our needs and sometimes (maybe most often) he provides what we need without asking. But there are many instances in the Bible where God gave something just because someone asked - and would not have given it had they not asked.

God tells us to ask for things in prayer for several reasons. First of all, humility is one of the things God values most in His people. Asking God for something is by its very nature a humbling experience. When you ask God for something you are admitting that you aren’t capable of providing that thing by yourself, you aren’t capable of controlling the situation on your own, you aren’t capable of doing what God alone can do. Admitting there are things we can’t do is a humbling thing.

Second, “trust” is another thing God requires of His people. Again, prayer by its very nature is an act of trust. You wouldn’t be asking God for something if you didn’t have at least a little trust that He has the power to give what you ask for.

Third, God may wait until we ask for something before He gives it, so we realize that He is the one who gave it - and then give Him the credit for doing so. The more He gives without our asking, the more we take Him for granted, or even credit ourselves for all the good things we have.

Of course, there’s always the “relationship aspect” to keep in mind. Above all else God wants a personal relationship with each one of us. He wants it so badly that He sent His Son to the cross in order to remove the barrier of sin that would have prevented sinful people from ever being reconciled with a sinless God. And one of the truths about relationships is that you can’t have one without talking to the other person. When we come to God in prayer we are taking the time to talk to God - strengthening our relationship.

Jesus said, “Ask and you shall receive.” When you ask God for something you will always receive an answer. That answer may be “Yes.” The answer could be, “No, I have a better idea.” Or the answer could be, “Yes, but first I want you to....” But whatever the answer you can trust it truly is the best answer.

Thanks for asking,
Pastor David

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