Praising or Asking

When you are in prayer, talking to God, what do you find yourself doing more? Do you constantly ask things of God or do you praise God for all of the things that He has already done for you? Are you wanting to receive more blessings from God or are you thanking Him for what you have already received?

This topic came back to me today at work while I was looking over our study for tomorrow. I will be teaching the kids the importance of worship and praise. We began that discussion today in Exodus 12, showing how the Israelites made it out of Egypt. I explained how they had prayed to God (asking); they wanted deliverance from Egypt. But they also thanked God (praising) as they made it out of Egypt and eventually into the promised land. Tomorrow we are going to look at how the book of Psalms is a praise book to God in many ways.

So let me ask you once more: do you praise God more or ask more of Him? And depending on your answer, is that the right thing to do? I would say yes. No matter how you answer the 1st question, the 2nd question can be answered yes. But, there must be a balance. Think of it this way. At Christmas, the selfish side of us may want to receive, receive, receive. We want more and more gifts so that we can have the things that we want. The selfish side finds it hard to give. But there should be a balance at Christmas as Christians. We should want to give, give, give to others, but at the same time we may also receive things from them. One thing we receive is the joy of giving. And there is nothing wrong with receiving a gift.

Now think about Christmas and consider this: do you give to God daily or do you constantly want to receive more from Him? It is not a bad thing to receive God's blessings. Do not get me wrong here. But at the same time, we must be in a spirit of giving, a spirit of praising. Never neglect to thank God for those blessings.

Through all of this rambling, what is my point? It is simple. God loves us and wants to bless His children. He gave us the ultimate gift through Jesus, and continues to give us blessings daily. We should continue to ask of Him. If there are burdens in our lives, it is alright to go to God with those requests. But try not to find yourself caught in the attitude of asking and receiving. Give back to God and thank Him for those things that He has done for you on a daily basis. Praise God for His blessings; praise God for what He may teach you during those hard times that might come up in your life.

Everyday... praise God!

Matt