“Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” (Matthew 6:8 KJV)
“… Before…” Literally, in front of. Has someone ever asked you for something and the moment that they asked it you could see what they were really asking for? Like, you heard the words they said, but it was as though there was someone standing in front of them revealing what they really want. This takes your conversations with God to another level. We don’t mind asking Santa Claus for a list that he may turn over and produce without any objection nor introspection. Similar with a hand made idol. What does it care what we ask? God, on the other hand, is actually living and breathing. He actually creates things. He wants to be asked directly by you not so much because he knows “in advance” the content of your requests. This is a relationship building exercise that lets him really see you and what you are asking for.
Speaking of, this is a reality check for us. The closer we get to God, the more humbling the experience becomes. Taking a moment to really see him and soak in his word right sizes our requests, shows us what righteousness really looks like when dealing with difficult situations, and helps us understand that our role in the situation is no bigger than he is going to allow. It’s almost funny when you think of it. This is different than how we are to listen one to another. Trying to have X-ray vision to see through each other leads to all kinds of misunderstandings, and we all know how much fun those are. God is the perfect judge for every situation. We don’t have that perspective. When God says that he knows how to give good gifts to his children, it’s more than having the means to do so. He can see the absolute value of what is before us and what is truly needed. It’s so perfect in fact, that sometimes it takes us a while to see what it is that he gave us.
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9 KJV)