stop, look, listen, think

1 John 5:14, NIV
This is the confidence we have approaching God that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

When I was a little girl I was allowed to go to the Rec to walk the dog or meet up with friends. But to get to the Rec I had to cross a busy road and so I learned the Green Cross Code. And - at the time I learned it - it was Stop, Look, Listen, Think. And sometimes when it comes to approaching God I think it can help us to do those four things:

Stop: take a moment. Is there something bothering you? Are you facing something you really need to take to God? Pausing in the middle of a busy day or minor crisis can be a good habit to get into.

Look: look upwards. Picture Jesus seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for you. See yourself being welcomed into the throne room.

Listen: imagine yourself sitting next to your heavenly Father, so close you can hear his heartbeat of love for You

Think: it’s important to remind ourselves of the truth revealed in God’s word. You can ask God anything that aligns with his will and purposes and he will hear you.

That's the promise of this verse. We can be confident when we approach God with our requests he hears us.

Let's pray
Father, help me to align my heart with yours. Help me to pray so your will is done. Most of all, thank you that the very next verse says "And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." I receive the answer to my prayers, even now. What an amazing Father you are! Amen.