Today's encouragement comes from Mark 10:35, where we read these words:
"Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to [Jesus], saying, 'Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.’ “Is there anything wrong with asking God to, “do for us whatever we ask”? Act-ually, no. Our Lord Jesus never rebuked James and John for their boldness and audacity. Our Redeemer later explained carefully to them what would be involved should their request be granted.
Our Heavenly Father wants us to be totally honest and passionate in our pe-titions to Him. Even if our desires are a bit misguided, this is no reason for us to be half-hearted in prayer. Let us come to our Triune God with our souls full of zeal for good things, and leave the results with Him—all in and through Jesus, our Mediator, alone.
[Puritan quote of the day: "There is nothing in the world more uneasy than the heart of a wicked man made to listen to spiritual instruction . . . “ —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
