“Ask, and you will receive . . ” says Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:7). And so we pray for things we hope might be acceptable: good or better health, the sorting out of relationships, help as we negotiate some stress or difficulty. There’s nothing wrong with that; it is what Jesus is encouraging, as we grow into relationship with a God who wants us to life fully and well.

But have you ever thought about, and perhaps even tried, the more dangerous Asks? Ones like, “God, what gifts have you given me that you want me to use more or better?” That could open up all sorts of things, even if you think your life has limited possibilities. What about, “Father, will you tell me what I’m getting wrong, what it is that most spoils my life as you see it?” That might be helpful in Lent, as we have a look at where we have arrived on our spiritual journey, and what the next steps might be. Or how about, “There must be people you value much more than I do. Can you explain and help me change my attitude?”

These are all dangerous requests. It takes courage to ask, and more to wait and listen for the answers. They have the potential to embarrass us, even if only in private. But wouldn’t it be worth it to see further and better, to be made fitter for service? Christian life was never meant to be static, or boring!