Do you know when Bible religion began?

It wasn’t in the book of Acts, when the disciples met in an upper room after Jesus had died and resurrected. It was long before Moses received the Ten Commandments. It was even before God called Abraham out of Ur!

The Bible says in Genesis 4 that Cain killed his brother Abel. Adam and Eve then had another son called Seth, the godly seed to replace Abel. Genesis 4:26 then says, “Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to call on the name of the Lord” (NIV).

Before there were Christians, Scriptures, or any church buildings, the first followers of God were “the callers on God.”

What does “call” mean? It means to implore, ask for assistance, express need. In other words, it means to pray.

When does God come near to help us? When we call upon Him. The New Testament tells us that God is rich in mercy to everyone who calls upon Him (see Psalm 86:5). Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9, NIV).

What a privilege it is to talk to God. I was once in Hong Kong, ministering to underground church leaders from China. In certain provinces they had to meet secretly. Half of these pastors had served time in prison for Christ. I felt unworthy.

But you know what? Even though Christianity was illegal, at that time China had the fastest‑growing Christian population anywhere in the world! Did they have fancy buildings, supplies, and outfits? No. They met in homes like the early church did. But you know what they had? The Word, sincerity, and prayer. Hearing them sing and pray to God took my breath away.

The worst epitaph that could be put on anyone’s tombstone is what Jesus’ half-brother wrote in James 4:2: “You do not have because you do not ask” (NIV).

Inspired by God, the author of Hebrews wrote, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV). Jesus Christ died on the cross, bridged the gap between us and God, and brought us into relationship with Him so we could come and get what we need from God. That’s what prayer is all about.

Here’s the secret about prayer: it’s the greatest power in the world.

What happens when we pray? Matthew 7:9–11 tells us: “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (NIV). Our God is a good Father, and He wants to answer our prayers.

Let it not be said of us that we have not because we asked not.

We don’t have to use religious language—we can talk in our natural tone and with our regular vocabulary. Let’s just talk to God like a child would to his or her father: “Oh, God, I need this today.” God is going to hear us, because He’s the One asking us to come.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You know our needs. Please give us the strength and power we need for today. Fill us with childlike faith, Lord, and remind us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking. Thank You for being our good Father! Amen.

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