January 15th | Approach With Confidence. Persist. Pray With Sincerity and Simplicity

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We just need to ask with CONFIDENCE, PERSISTENCE, and SINCERITY.

Day 3 of 3: Our Responsibility to Pray as Children of God

As children of God, one of our greatest privileges and responsibilities is prayer. It's not a duty born of obligation but an invitation to commune with our loving Father. Scripture calls us to approach Him with confidence, persistence, and sincerity—marked by simplicity, without pretense or empty words.

Approaching with Confidence

We can come boldly before God's throne because of what Jesus has done for us. The Bible assures us:

"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16, NIV)

"In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." (Ephesians 3:12, NIV)

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." (1 John 5:14, NIV)

This confidence isn't arrogance—it's trust in a Father who welcomes us through Christ. We don't have to earn access; it's freely given.

Approaching with Persistence

Jesus teaches us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking:

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (Luke 11:9-10, NIV)

He goes on to say, "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13, NIV)

In the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8), a widow relentlessly pleads with an unjust judge who neither fears God nor respects people. Exasperated, he finally grants her justice just to be rid of her. Jesus concludes: "And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? ... I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly." (Luke 18:7-8, NIV paraphrase)

If even a reluctant judge responds to persistence, how much more will our loving, just Father answer those who cry out to Him continually? Keep praying—don't lose heart.

Approaching with Sincerity and Simplicity

Jesus warns against showy or repetitive prayers:

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others... But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (Matthew 6:5-8, NIV)

Prayer isn't about impressing others or piling up words—it's heartfelt conversation with a Father who already knows our needs. Come simply, honestly, and trustingly.

If we just simply ask—and persist in doing so—God will answer. He may not always respond in the way or timing we expect, but He will according to His perfect will and in His own time. That's why one of my daily prayers is for alignment with His will for my life. We can't expect God to meet us outside of His will; instead, we must meet Him where He calls us—nestled right in the sweet spot He has designed for us to thrive and fulfill our purpose.

Today, embrace your responsibility to pray. Approach with confidence, persist without giving up, and speak with sincere simplicity. Your Father hears, He cares, and He will respond in ways that draw you closer to His heart and His plan for you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me to come boldly. Help me pray with confidence in Your grace, persistence in seeking You, and simple sincerity from my heart. Align my desires with Your will, and let me rest in the assurance that You hear every word. In Jesus' name, Amen.