HOW MUCH MORE?

  Working through the last day of the study for Anne Graham Lotz's study, The Daniel Prayer...Prayer That Moves Heaven and Changes Nations, I am looking at Nehemiah 2:7-9. Nehemiah has requested that he return to Jerusalem to survey the damage that has been left undone in the repairing of the walls and gates of Jerusalem.  Nehemiah serves as the cup-bearer and counselor to King Artaxerxes of Persia.  King Artaxerxes is a king who does not worship the God of Israel whom Nehemiah worshiped.  Before Nehemiah makes his request, he has prayed and fasted.  He makes his request to the king, and it is very interesting the responses of the king.  He gives Nehemiah permission to leave (and it was a 12 year leave of absence), he gives the letters and supplies that he requested, and lastly, he even sends an army with Nehemiah to protect him and the supplies.  Now that is some bold praying and requesting!  Reminds me of Ephesians 3:20. 

Quickly my mind ran to Luke 11 which is the Lord's telling of a parable to encourage His disciples about a friend who comes at midnight to request of another friend three loaves of bread for company that was coming.  The passage is RICH, but what I want you to read and hang on to is "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, HOW MUCH MORE will your Father in heaven not give the Holy Spirit to those who ask HIM." Luke 11:13  This is the same passage commanding us to ask, seek, and knock with the promise  that the door will be opened to us.  

Being curious I went on line and asked for Scripture prayers that showed bold/faith requesting in prayer.  I love it...found many occasions of faith/bold praying.  All this to remind you pray in faith with boldness and confidence that your GOD IS ABLE. (Ephesians 3:20...able is the word, POWERFUL!)  Ever learning!  In process!  #IHAVETHREESONS