The Ancient Hebrew Practice of Asking Questions
When my prayer life feels dry, I often realize that it is because I am not asking God any questions. Prayer is a conversation, and conversations flourish when both sides engage. As Jesus taught, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7). Asking questions is the first step to a vibrant prayer life. It shows we believe that God is listening and has the answers we need.
The Ancient Path
In Hebrew tradition, the act of asking questions is central to spiritual growth. In rabbinical schools, students aren’t praised for knowing all the answers but for asking the best questions. This practice is rooted in the belief that questioning opens the door to deeper understanding and connection with God. The Talmud, filled with inquiries and debate, exemplifies this sacred dialogue where questions lead to wisdom.
Asking questions not only helps us grow but also shows our faith in God’s wisdom. When we ask, we demonstrate that we believe God has an answer. In Genesis 18, for example, Abraham asked God, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” (Genesis 18:23). This bold questioning revealed Abraham’s trust in God’s justice and mercy, and his confidence that God would respond and guide him. It wasn’t accusatory, but genuine in his desire to know and trust God more deeply.
Jesus is the Perfect Model
Jesus modeled this practice throughout His ministry. He frequently asked His disciples questions, inviting them to reflect and grow in understanding. We also see this value over and over again in the way that the disciples and pharisees were constantly asking Jesus questions.
Jesus Himself also asked God questions. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me” (Matthew 26:39). Even in His moment of deepest anguish, Jesus asked God for guidance, modeling for us that questioning in prayer is not a sign of doubt but an act of trust, and God answered him. By the time Jesus left the Garden, he knew what His father’s will was. He had a conversation with God, was honest with Him, and left in alignment with Him.
Asking Leads to Relationship
I have two sons, and last night both woke up. The first one knocked on our bedroom door, and we opened it up and let him sleep in our room. I woke up this morning to find the other one sleeping on the floor in front of our door. He had woken up and made it to our door, but fell asleep without ever knocking to come in. Asking questions is like knocking on the door! Don’t just pray and then leave without ever entering into the presence of God. He is ready to invite you into relationship with Him!
The Bible is full of encouragement to ask God for wisdom and guidance. In Jeremiah 33:3, God says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Similarly, James 1:5 promises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” God invites us to ask because He desires to answer and guide us.
The Journey of Seeking
I have often wondered why sometimes God takes so long to answer. But I’ve realized that the answer often holds so much more weight when I have sought him over and over again, and he finally responds.
Proverbs 25:2 says, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to seek it out.” Part of the reason God loves when we ask questions, is because it takes us on a journey of trust and relationship with Him. He wants us to seek him.
In Matthew 13, Jesus told many parables, including the one about the sower and the seeds. After sharing the parables, he went away with his disciples and they asked him what he meant, and he explained it to them. Notice that he only explained what the parable meant to those who asked him to do so. In our questions, we show that we value and can steward what He has to teach us.
Prayer Prompts
One way to reignite our prayer life is by asking God simple yet meaningful questions, such as:
“What would you like to teach me through this passage?”
“What is something I need to repent of today?”
“What is something you would like me to do today to honor you?”
Let us come to him now. Our teacher. Our Rabbi. Bring to him your questions, fears, concerns and thoughts. You will not scare Him away, in fact, your questions will draw you into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him than you ever thought possible.
