Today’s 333 Devotional: “Knocking on Heaven’s Door”

In 1973, Bob Dylan wrote what some consider one of the most famous folk songs in the U.S. It was written for the movie, “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid,” entitled, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”

There were only a few lyrics but the most telling was when he said, “I feel I’m knocking on heaven’s door. Knock, knock, knocking on heaven’s door.”

As I thought more about this song, I realized that this is exactly what prayer is all about, and what the disciple asked Jesus saying, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

It’s important to note that the disciple doesn’t ask Jesus to teach them how to pray, but rather to pray. There’s a big difference. G. Campbell Morgan said, “This man wanted to know, not the method, but to find the secret of praying; two very different things. There are many people who know how to pray, but they do not pray.”

To this request, Jesus gives what many consider the model for prayer, but not one to be memorized and constantly regurgitated back to God. Jesus never said, “Say these words,” but rather, when we pray to use them as a template. He said, “In this manner, therefore, pray.” (Matthew 6:9)

And from this has come what today is known as “the Lord’s Prayer.”

To give a short synopsis, prayer begins with our acknowledging and honoring who it is that we’re talking to, and that is, the Lord God, Creator, and the Sustainer of all life. And then afterwards, to request from Him the help we need always acknowledging that we are wholly and completely dependent upon Him.

And when we do, we need to know and trust that God hears and is ready to answer, knowing exactly what we need, and how to answer our requests. Plus, He is delighted to do so.

Today, begin knocking on heaven’s door, knowing that He is knocking on the door of our heart.