Devotional: Pray Persistently Luke 11:1-13

His disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray as John (the Baptist) taught his disciples to pray. Jesus responds by giving them a model by which they should pray (Lk. 11:1-4). After giving the disciples the model Jesus tells a parable. The purpose of the parable is to teach the disciples the importance of being persistent in their prayer life. They are to be like children that ask their parent over and over again for what they want. In the parable a man goes to his friend’s house. He asks his friend for help, but his friend does not wish to be bothered because he and his children are in bed asleep.

The man continues to call out for help. The man gets up from his bed and gives his friend what he needs. We are familiar with the words of Jesus that say: “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you” (v. 9, NASB).

I am learning that I should not think of God as one that says no when I pray. If I ask God to supply my needs in order to advance His kingdom He will answer my prayer and supply my needs. I should not give up because God does not answer my prayer upon my first request. I must demonstrate my faith in Him by being persistent in my requests.

Prayer: Father, we thank you that you are able to supply our needs. Let our requests be for the Holy Spirit to guide our prayer life. Amen.