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The famous words of Jesus insist that "the one who asks, receives, and the one who seeks, finds, and the one who knocks, has the door opened." Therefore, ask, says He. (See Matthew 7:7-8).

I have discovered that a large part of my being able to ask effectively in prayer has to do with my struggle to know my own heart. So here are two prayer tips that have to do with the Asking part:

*Examine your requests to find the bottom line.
*Evaluate your life to find out what you REALLY want.

Sometimes during the delay before I receive the answer to my request (or surrender to not having it), I get the most personal growth I've ever had. The continuing to come to God in prayer, gives me connection while I examine what it is I really want. My desires acquire more maturity in that setting.

For instance, I may pray for a new car, and as I wait and continue to ask, in the safety of God's presence I can discover whether what I really need is just wheels under me, or dependable wheels, or respectable wheels, --or maybe fixing the one I have is the best thing for me right now. I can think all that through in an atmosphere of God's concern, care, and abundance.

Now translate that example into prayers for changes in relationships. What do I really need from my marriage? What do I really want from my children? Go for the bottom line as you continue to pray.