(This is one of a series of 6 posts, if you missed any, you can start here)
Step #4 – Ask, Seek, Find
The final step is unique in the fact that you are coming to God with a quest, an idea, a desire. Maybe you are going through a time of transition. Maybe you are contemplating a career change. Perhaps a recent death in the family has made you question your faith and you are seeking an answer. Perhaps you’re struggling with a personal issue. It doesn’t matter the topic or idea. Now is the time to search for it in the scene you have just been reading, rereading, and imagining. Here you begin to ask for, seeking like a child, the answer from God. I even go so far as to say,
“Jesus, reveal to me what you will concerning_________.” Be open and don’t have any preconceived notions as to what God wants to give you. Trust that He will reveal to you what is best for your situation, your request, and your vocation.
Spend some time reviewing the passage, reviewing the scene you see in your mind and asking, like a child, for an answer or a lead. Often when I am doing this, something will catch my eye in the scene and my heart will run with it. When this happen, I concern myself less with my questions and more with what God is doing. In this way, the process is very much like
Lectio Divina. In Lectio Divina, one pours over the Scripture until a word stands out and God speaks to the reader. However, unlike Lectio Divina, here we are specifically asking God for something. If He chooses something else, that’s fine too.
If the Lord sees fit to give you a word, to speak to your heart, take it with joy but also test it. To meditate this way gives me great joy but I am also very aware that some thoughts are from God, some are from me, and some may be from the enemy. Be ready, these thoughts from yourself and the enemy can be intended as nothing more than distractions. Write them down if you like and then keep on opening your heart to the Lord. Here are three questions to ask when testing whether something is God’s will or not.
1. Is this word that I’m receiving persistent? In other words, do I know in my heart of hearts that God has been after me with this word for some time now? Think of Jonah, God was persistent!
2. Does this word give me peace? Here I’m talking about peace in the soul, a peace only God can give. God may be giving you a very difficult word but with it there should be peace.
3. Can I be obedient to this word? In other words, will it help me grow in sanctity? Does it align with the teachings of the Church? Is it something that fits my state in life?
As I so often tell my children, God always answers prayer in one of three ways – yes, no, or wait. Let’s look at these answers and how we should respond.
Very often God has revealed to me exactly what I was looking for when meditating in this fashion. Most often I am not asking for a miracle or something extraordinary. I may ask for insight into a certain passage or how I should understand an event in my life. It is wonderful when God says yes to my prayers. I feel loved, comforted, and affirmed. It is a wonderful feeling and a great time to praise the Lord.
You also must consider that the answer may not be the one you want. However, you must accept and trust that this is God’s plan for you. I’ll be the first to say that it is easier said than done. I have prayed for guidance and answers only to find an answer that did not set well with me. I’ve prayed for healings and conversions that never happened. When the answer is no or not the answer we hoped for, you and I must imitate Our Lord in the Garden of Olives and say, sometimes over and over,
not my will but yours be done.You may not find an answer at all and God simply wants you to spend time in His word and with Him. Have faith and ask again tomorrow. You may find something completely different and unexpected. Our God is one of miracles and surprises so don’t be surprised when you are surprised by the Lord. He may want you to ask again. As a father myself I often say,
“not now, remind me later though.” Perhaps that is what God is saying to you.
Practical Steps
1.
Review the Practical Steps 1, 2, & 32. Don’t be afraid to ask God for what is on your heart.
3. Review the passage and scene and search for an answer.
4. Accept God’s answer prayerfully and gratefully.
5. Test the answer and don’t be afraid to ask again – remember the persistent widow?
6. Move on to the final bonus step. -
Give Thanks!
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