I once had a list of the things I would pray.
I’d ask every morning and twice in the day.
“A pony. A mansion. A big chocolate cake.”
I’d ask and ask again for my own selfish sake.
God knows so much more than I’ll ever know.
Probably smiling, I think he said, “That’s a no-go.
I know what will help you. I see what is best.
So trust me to give you what passes the test.”
“Ask, seek, and knock,” Jesus said to the crowd,
But not for what’s selfish, for that’s not allowed.
We’re to seek first his Kingdom, his truth, and his ways.
No matter how he answers, I will offer him praise.
“In Jesus’ name” isn’t magic, you see,
It’s not to ask for what matters to me.
It’s joining my heart to the will of my King,
And seeing results that cause angels to sing.
When God says, “Not yet,” or he answers with, “No,”
It means there’s a danger I just didn’t know.
Like giving a car to a child too small,
That “no” is protecting me, after all.
So here is what I must pray every day:
“Lord, teach me to ask in just the right way.
Show me your heart, and help me agree,
So I will want what you want in all that I see.”
