If the Jesus prayer begins in Adoration (Our Father, Thy Kingdom, Thy will), it moves eventually to Asking (Give us, Forgive us) and I am not sure which takes more faith. Asking is hard for me. It feels selfish. It opens the possibility of rejection. So sometimes, I don’t (unless you count complaining and hoping that the Lord takes the hint). BIG MISTAKE! Yesterday, I was driving home. Traffic was stalled on 281. I needed to change lanes for my exit. Rather that “force my way” into some opening, I put on my blinker. Ok, it’s a mild ask, but still an ask. The result? Some kind soul paused and let me move on. It really does work! “If you being evil know how to give good gifts. . .how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him” (Matt.7:11) Keep praying, dear friend. We still have much to learn.
I’ve found myself enjoying the adoration part pf prayer as I’ve grown spiritually because I’m so grateful for who God is and how He has made Himself known to me. I still need to ask Him for my own spiritual character to be built and I see my needs better in that area as I grow in my faith. How peaceful it is to be one of His children. That helps me sleep at night.
Asking is hard for me too. It implies that I am not adequate to handle the situation….when, in fact I am not. I believe asking something of God is an act of humility, requiring thoughtfulness, and wisdom. What I ask from God has changed immensely over the past years and hopefully reflects some maturity in my Christian journey.