Today’s Key Scripture (all references NKJV unless otherwise noted):

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

—James 5:16

When we study the subject of effective communication with God, we should always go to the Source. Our Lord Jesus said: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).

In this passage, the Lord presents to each one of us three worlds of prayer: asking, seeking, and knocking.

Look back at the Old Testament as a reference. When Moses, under God’s direction, built the tabernacle in the wilderness, he built it with three distinct areas:

  • The outer court (surrounded by a linen fence; inside stood the altar of sacrifice and the laver)
  • The Holy Place (the candlestick, table of shewbread, and table of incense)
  • The Holy of Holies (the ark of the Covenant and the golden censor)

In the tabernacle are revealed the three worlds of prayer:

  • The outer court—asking.
  • The Holy Place—seeking.
  • The most sacred place behind the veil—the Holy of Holies—knocking.

Each has a unique purpose in developing direct access to the throne room and for effective, prayerful communication with God.

A Prayer for Today:

Heavenly Father, teach me Your ways. I want to live every day in effective communication with You. Help me to spend time with You, growing closer to You day by day. Help me to listen to You. Help me to become more like You as I move from the outer court to the Holy Space, and then into the Holy of Holies. Capture my heart as I  ask, seek, and knock. I pray all this in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Amen!