My high school baseball coach use to harp on us all the time about being aggressive at the plate. And for good reason. If you stand in the box intimidated by the pitcher, or worrying about striking out, you’ll never hit the ball.
The same thing is true when it comes to prayer. It may not sound right to say that God wants us to be aggressive when we pray, but it’s clear from the scriptures that He does.
Here’s a part of Nehemiah’s prayer: "O Master, listen to me, listen to your servant's prayer--and yes, to all your servants who delight in honoring you--and make me successful today so that I get what I want from the king."
Note that there isn’t much asking here, but there is quite a bit of demanding. This seems awkward, doesn’t it? But when you think about it, praying like this is simply a demonstration of faith”“ a sincere belief that God will answer your prayer. Consider the alternative: "And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith."(Matt. 13:58)
Here’s a modified version of Nehemiah’s prayer as a contrast:
"Lord, if you feel like it, would you mind listening to my prayer? And by the way, other non-deserving people like me would like you to listen to their prayer also, if it’s not too much trouble. Today I was thinking about making a request of the king, but I’m not sure if You really want me to so, oh well, if he doesn’t grant my request, I guess that’s okay. Amen."
Which prayer is God more likely to listen to? Which prayer evidences the faith of the person praying?
A sk and it will be given to you
S eek and you will find
K nock and the door will be opened to you (Mt. 7:7)
Notice the progression... ask, then seek, and if necessary pound on the door. If we expect God to guide us in fulfilling the mission he has given us, it’s going to take boldness in prayer.
SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO GET AGGRESSIVE