As the Sermon on the Mount comes to a close, Jesus turns to the topic of prayer: "Ask, Search, Knock" Jesus implores us. As we study Matthew 7:7-11 today and listen to Jann Stimac reflect on this passage, we are invited into reflection on our own prayer life. Jann pointed out that Jesus' threefold instruction of "Ask, Search, and Knock" is not because God is asleep at the wheel of the universe. No, the reality is that Jesus' instruction to us to be persistent in our prayer life is for our own benefit and not Gods. In fact, Jann pointed out that "God is at our elbow" as C.S. Lewis said. God is waiting to give us good gifts and takes delight in doing so. So as you carry this encouraging message into your week, please use the following questions to study this passage, reflect on its meaning, and apply it to your life.

1. As you reflect back on your life with God, remember a time when God was "at your elbow" and desired to give you a gift or a surprise?

2. How does the continual conversation of prayer: "Asking, Searching, Knocking" help us in our relationship with God? How does it effect our prayer life?

3. Is there a situation or prayer request in my life right now where I pray and hope that God is at my elbow?

4. Jann articulated several reasons why we often don't receive or recognize God's good gifts: guilt, shame, etc... Which of these are common to you and how did Jann's message encourage you in this area?

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