From my reading in Luke 11:1-28 in the One Year New Testament.

Jesus tells a story to teach us the power of persistence in prayer. Here’s the basic gist of the story.

Say you went to a friends house to borrow bread at midnight and you say “I have a friend visiting but don’t have anything for him to eat.”

Your friend says, “Don’t bother me, I’m already in bed for the night and so is my family!” But you won’t take no for an answer.  You keep knocking and knocking and finally he will get up and give you what you need! Jesus finishes with this statement…

“But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.” Luke 10:8

Don’t Give Up!

If you are praying for something, don’t give up! We know that God loves us more than this disgruntled neighbor and wants to give us good things. If we keep asking him, it is likely he will answer in his time.

I know for me, persistence in prayer is not something at which I am great. I pray and ask, but often after praying once I think I have it covered. This passage on the other hand encourages me to keep praying for the things I want to see God do! Jesus goes on…

“And so I tell you, 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.” Luke 11:9–10

Keep Asking

We should never stop asking God for things because he never wants to stop blessing us! As we seek him he will answer the prayers that are according to his will. Like a loving Father, he wants to give us good things!

“You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” Luke 11:11–13

God Gives Great Gifts

God is better than any earthly father because he gives even better gifts! He gives us his Holy Spirit, Who is the greatest gift of all. He is our comforter, guide and the one who gives us courage! The Holy Spirit is the promise of our salvation!

If you have something that you are praying for and haven’t seen God answer yet, don’t give up! Keep praying. Keep knocking! Keep asking and see what God does!

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