We all enjoy offering and receiving gifts. Gifts express gratitude and appreciation. They strengthen bonds of relationship and mean much more than their material worth. But presenting and accepting gifts can also cause some problems as the Bible so vividly illustrates. In Genesis, Abram received his nephew Lot with his possessions from the King of Sodom. The King tried to make a deal with Abram, "Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered." But Abram refused the offer. "I will not take as much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you may say, 'I am the one who made Abram rich'." (Genesis 14:22) The people of that area were very sinful and Abram felt that receiving any gift from the King implied a compromise with their wickedness.
Then there is the episode of Namaan, an army commander, who after some hesitation went to the prophet Elisha to be cured of leprosy. Namaan dipped seven times in the River Jordan and his entire body was restored. He gladly and gratefully returned to Elisha to offer him lavish gifts. But Elisha replied, "As surely as the Lord lives whom I serve I will not accept any gift." (2 Kings 5:15) No amount of persuasion changed his mind. To accept a gift from Namaan and his officers might cause them to measure God's healing power in materialistic terms. King Solomon's name is usually linked with the word "wisdom." When he became king God asked him: "What do you want? Ask and I will give it to you."
Solomon begged for the wisdom and knowledge to lead his people properly. Because of his request, he was blessed not only with wisdom and knowledge but with wealth, riches and fame. (2 Chronicles 1:8-12)
In the New Testament a similar offer was made by King Herod to his step-daughter after she delighted him with her dancing. "Ask me for anything you like and I will give it to you. The girl sought advice from her mother who told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist. The gospel of Mark states, The King deeply regretted what he had said, but because of his vows he could not refuse her." (Mark 6:26)
What gifts do we pray for? What gifts would God be willing to give us? Faith and grace are given freely and abundantly. God lavishes his wonderful grace upon us. God forgives us and extends His mercy and compassion to us. His gifts are always sufficient for our needs. When God promises and offers us His gifts there is no bargaining, except the joy and wonder of being blessed, forgiven and renewed make us eager to share the good news. In such asking and accepting there is no deceit, no humiliation, no favouritism. Jesus teaches us, "Keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for." (Matthew 7:7)