What is our so-called "world view?" Jesus told the Jews, "'You are of this world'" (Jn 8:23). There are the facts of life. Paul says "if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either: (1Th 3:10). It is a matter of survival. However, Jesus told his disciples "'you are not of the world . . . [because] I chose you out of the world'" (Jn 15:19). Which side then are you on? Is it just survival of the fittest, or is there another way? It is a matter of perspective. "Whatever you do, do all for the glory of God" (1Co 15:31). "Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth" (Col 2:3). But you still have to exist. However, "'your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things'" (Mt 6:32). "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above" (Ja 1:17). However, Jesus said, "'Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself'" (Mt 6:33). It is God's promise to provide for our needs by saying "my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Php 4:19).

The introduction suggests it is not just a matter of survival though it requires cooperation. The key is to "be anxious for nothing, but . . . let your requests be made known to God" (Php 4:6). "'Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you'" (:33). Jesus said, "'If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it'" (Jn 14:14) because "'everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds'" (Lk 11:10). We are taught in prayer to ask, "'Give us this day our daily bread'" (Mt 6:11). The promise is for believers who "trust in the Lord . . . and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Ps 37:3-4). We know that "if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us . . . [and] we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him" (1Jo 5:14-15).

Asking is commonly associated with prayer. For example, you might make a solemn request to God for help. Also, you may ask a question expecting an answer. Or else, you may ask for a tangible expectation such as for something to be done. "We know we have the requests which we have asked from Him" (Jn 11:42). "'In all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive'" (Mt 21:22). Jesus said, "'All things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted to you'" (Mk 11:24). "'In that day you will not question Me about anything . . . [for] if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you'" (Jn 16:23).