Apologetics

A Decent Request 2

by Olawale Ogunsola
07/22/25
Not For Sale
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Philippians 4:6 NIV‬

"[6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

The above are words of admonition from Apostle Paul to the Philippians as well as all Believers in Christ. They are encouraging and instructional words. They are of great benefit.

Taking anxiety away will guarantee peace of mind. Then, one will be free and composed to present one's needs to the Creator who owns all things and is ready to give those who diligently seek Him.

One common mistake of many Believers is that they do not present their wants to the Possessor of all things decently. They approach Him with a dictatorial voice as if they have something to do to Him if He refuses to grant their requests. Whereas, He is unquestionable and unsearchable.

Such people never bother whether their request pleases the Lord or not and this is a factor He will consider. Is he pleased to grant it? Is he convinced that the request will be of benefit to him/her?

In the same vein, they fail to seek His favor first. Seeking and receiving His favor comes first. It will give assurance that He does it with a whole heart. It will not be "permissive will" with grave consequences
In Hosea 13:11, He gave His people, the Jews, a king in anger but took him away in wrath.

It is better to seek the Lord's favor first, before or during a presentation request.

Do you know that people of God can ask amiss, James 4:3? So, it is only God who knows whether or not a request is right. He should therefore be allowed to take the final decision because He will always do what is right.

To crown it all, the state of the heart of the fellow making a request is salient to the Lord's granting his request. This is a point that many Believers never consider. The Psalmist of Israel appreciated this when he says, "Psalms 18:24 NIV‬
" [24] The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight."
He was sure of his standing and walking before the Lord. He was bold enough to approach the throne of mercy to present his request which was granted to him.

Do you know that Queen Esther also appreciated her relationship with King Ahazuerus, her husband? She demonstrated this when she was seeking protection for her race which has been billed for total annihilation. She humbly made her request known this, She said, "If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces:” Esther 8:5.
She got her petition granted!

Beloved, do you approach the King of kings as Esther did? Please, begin to do so now and forever. May the Lord grant you the ability and wisdom to derive optimum benefits from your relationship with the Lord. Stay blessed and prepare for the imminent coming of the Lord.