When young children ask for something from their parents, they just ask.

Without regard if what they ask is feasible or reasonable or right or wrong. They may come with cute request and outrageous request. There is no telling what they may ask.

And they are not shy about it. They are not self-conscious about what they can or cannot ask. They just ask.

The parents might be flummoxed with the request. Or they may get upset. Or they may be amused. In some cases, they would say “yes”. In plenty of cases, they probably say “no”.

And the young children would keep on asking. Why? Why not? That is not fair. Yada yada yada.

Reflecting this back to ourselves, how do we come to God with our requests? Do we think “oh I better not ask that”? Or at other times, do we say “I think it is safe to ask this”?

I know I am a bit self-conscious before I raise up my prayer to God. But the Bible is clear about this: just ask.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

(Philippians 4.6 NIV)

I think God wants us to come to him like young children. Just ask.

He may say “no” or “wait”, but I do not think he will zap us with lightning.