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People tend to rely on their own effort in times of need – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. For some reason, praying to Jesus is often a last resort. In this episode of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith discusses our common approach to problems and offers a much better way of dealing with them – through prayer.

One of Smith’s favorite books, simply titled “Prayer” by Ole Hallesby, offers some basic truths about prayer that have greatly shaped his prayer life. Hallesby starts by quoting Revelation 3:20 which says,
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in, and with dine with them, and they with me”

Hallesby explains why this verse is so central to how we understand prayer. He writes, “To pray is to let Jesus come into our hearts. It is Jesus who moves us to pray. He knocks in order to move us to pray. It is not our prayer which draws Jesus into our hearts. It is not our prayer which moves Jesus to come to us. All Jesus needs is access. He enters in of his own accord. And he enters wherever he is not denied admittance.”

What a beautiful thought. When we are moved to pray, are we aware this comes from Jesus himself? It is amazing how subtle Jesus is. He knocks, ever so gently. Praying lets Jesus into our needs because it gives him permission to employ his powers in the alleviation of our distress. So the question for today is, Will you give Jesus access to your needs?

Related episodes:
1. Jesus is Praying for You
2. Identity
3. Second Chances
4. Living Godward
5. Things Above Conversation 2