“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20).

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.” (Hebrews 4:16)

It is often said, “You can’t out-give God.” True indeed. But it seems I can’t out-ask him either. But in a surprise bonus God answers my audacious imposition with “…exceedingly abundantly above and beyond all I can ask think or desire.” No matter how big I think I’m praying, he’s going to answer bigger still.

I must have inherited the Eeyore gene. My faith-walk plays out as a chronic moderation hedging my bets against disappointment. Jesus blows right past my sheepishness. “I have something coming you cannot possibly imagine!” His first answer to what I consider a big and bold prayer is to up the ante, and to challenge me to up my expectation. “Oh, if you only knew how good and powerful I really am, and how right now I am turning heaven and earth upside down to bless you!”

And what response do I hear from God? I expect him to furrow his brow and mumble, “My, that is a lot to ask. Let me see how I can bend a few rules. Would you settle for 50%?“ Instead, God chuckles at my big ask. “Is that all? he replies. “Of course! And so much more, you can’t even imagine!”

Reflection

Father ALWAYS answer “yes.” Yes indeed, in ways far richer than my wildest prayers can express. He fills the gaps of my requests and exponentially compounds the outcome. After all, he only asks for “seed” faith. This last day I again take the prayers I have been praying all month and hold them again as mere seed. I offer it back to the Father knowing that in his hand a seed grows into an oak tree that he has been planning all along! And as much as I think I’m asking, he’s intending far, far more!

Response

“Father, I have asked, and do so again. I know you are not exhausted by my persistence. You welcome it, even insist upon it. So, once again, bless me indeed! And one last word: I won’t be surprised when you surprise me above and beyond my request! You are, right now designing a gift of your choosing. I know your goodness will stun me when it arrives, but nudge me with a reminder of this prayer: that I promised to expect your unexpected kindness!”