The Commands of Jesus: Pray and Keep Praying

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I recently stumbled upon an article by a guy named Charles Shahar.
Mr. Shahar has degree in clinical psychology from York University in Toronto and the article I read was

entitled, Social Vampirism: The Needy Personality - it is one of twelve articles in his Neurosis Handbook.

Yes, being excessively needy is considered by many to be a neurosis. And yes, if you know a truly needy person, you understand what Mr. Shahar meant when he used the term “social vampirism” - because an excessively needy person can suck the life right out of you.

The problem with needy people is well, they’re so darn needy – and therefore most folks are loath to be with them, and do all they can to avoid them.

Most folks - But not God.
God loves needy people. Really, He just adores them.

Listen to Jesus’ encouragement toward neediness in His Sermon on the Mount,

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matt 7:7-8

What is Jesus talking about here? I think you know.
He’s encouraging chronic, obsessive neediness. In other words…
He is describing someone with a healthy prayer life!

Oh yeah. To “pray” literally means to ask. And, according to Jesus…
             You don’t just ask once – you keep on asking.

Jesus is instructing us to live in a constant state of neediness and dependency on God – through prayer.

Because if we are not frequently, consistently praying - then we are, in effect, saying, “I don’t really need you God.” And, uh, we do not want to say that.

So embrace the neurosis. Constantly require God’s attention, affection, or affirmation.
Be desperate for any type of support God can give you. Pray and keep on praying.

And don’t worry about Heaven labeling you a Social Vampire.
You cannot suck the life out of God – He has already freely given us His life in the person of Jesus.