He already knows

Do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.   — Matthew 6:8

A friend who is a commercial pilot told me about a flight in which he encountered a serious mechanical issue — a problem with dangerous implications. When the situation occurred, the warning lights in the cockpit informed him of the problem and he monitored it all the way to the destination, ultimately landing safely.

Once on the ground, the pilot immediately went to the maintenance staff and reported it. To his surprise the mechanic responded, “We already know about the problem and are ready to fix it. When you got the cockpit warning, we automatically got an electronic warning as well.”

As he shared that incident, I couldn’t help but compare it to Jesus’ words about our heavenly Father: “Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matt. 6:8). He said this in contrast to people who believe that they must “use vain repetitions . . . For they think that they will be heard for their many words” (v. 7). Jesus presupposes God’s knowledge of and concern for His children.

Even though God knows our needs, He still wants us to share our hearts with Him. He stands ready to hear our prayer and to repair our brokenness by His grace.                               — Bill Crowder

Although God knows our every need,

His work He wants to share;

He takes us into partnership

By calling us to prayer. — D. De Haan

READ: Matthew 6:5-8

Prayer is the voice of faith, trusting that God knows and cares.

The Bible in one year:

• Psalms 60-62

• Romans 5