Ask, Seek and Knock

‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye. ‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you. ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:1-12

Most of us don't like to ask for help as we would rather be independent and in complete control of our lives (or so we think). I am terrible at asking for help, even when I know I need it, and I know am not alone. Our lives are completely dependent on the economy, our bosses, our leaders and our family. Our ancestors understood the fragility of life and our dependence on one another and the natural world. We forget to ask our Creator for what we need, thinking we can take care of ourselves, until troubles and tumults are upon us. Life is never without storms. We need one another and we need our God who promises to open doors, receive what we need and find our way in this fragile existence.

Gracious Creator, who plants us in community

like the three sisters we rely on each other to grow

and we share the nutrients of the light and earth.

We are too selfish and so full of foolish pride

that we refuse to ask for help when we are sinking

and curse others for abandoning us in the storms.

Lord Jesus, help us to ask, knock and seek daily

trusting that you will answer our needs fully

and make us a family, a community once again. Amen.