05/05/2021 PERSISTENT PRAYER
LUKE 11:1, 5-9 Once when JESUS had been praying, one of HIS disciples came to HIM as HE finished and said, “LORD, teach us a prayer to recite just as John taught one of his disciples.” …Then, teaching them more about prayer, HE used this illustration: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You would shout up to him, ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit and I’ve nothing to give him to eat.’ He would call down from his bedroom, ‘Please don’t ask me to get up. The door is locked for the night and we are all in bed. I just can’t help you this time.’ But I’ll tell you this---though he won’t do it as a friend if you keep knocking long enough he will get up and give you everything you want—just because of your persistence. And so it is with prayer----keep on asking and you will keep on getting; keep on looking and you will keep on finding; knock and the door will be opened. [Living Bible translation]
Summary:
Luke 11 contains JESUS’ teachings on the importance of persistent prayer. JESUS taught by giving a parable---an illustration---a story. It was an important lesson that HE wanted HIS disciples to understand.
JESUS wanted to make it plain for everyone. WHY? Because as one contemporary writer puts it, “The last thing I think of when I’m stressed out with work deadlines and complicated homework projects with the kids is to get on my knees…” See, “Spirituality and Prayer Relieves Stress,” by Therese Borchard.
Others might even add, “And, after I have already prayed, the last thing I think of when I’m stressed out with work, bills, family issues, health issues, and “everything else” is to get right back on my knees and pray again!” But that is exactly what JESUS taught! Pray, Pray, Pray, and Pray again! Keep asking. Keep knocking. Be persistent. Keep knocking at GOD’s “door.” Expect an answer!
Matthew Henry’s commentary on this scripture suggests we consider other aspects of this story:
- We must come to GOD with boldness and confidence for what we need. The man came begging for what he needed, knowing that he was at the right place, before someone who cared enough to listen and who loved him enough to help.
- We must come for bread, or what is needful, and that which we cannot be without. This is not the persistent request of a child just persistently begging for “another toy” or something wanted (i.e., a creature comfort). This request was for something needed.
- We must come to GOD by prayer for others as well as for ourselves. This man did not come asking for bread for himself but for his friend.
- We cannot come to GOD with a more pleasing errand than when we come for HIS GRACE to enable us to do good. This man wanted to feed someone else, to entertain and edify someone else.
- When Providence puts us in situations we cannot control, we can take those situations to GOD with more boldness. The man was not in dire straits because of his own carelessness or folly. The man needed bread because his friend came unexpectedly.
See, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/luke/11.html Other scripture on prayer invites us to take everything to GOD in prayer. Philippians 4:6 states:
Don’t worry about anything: instead pray about everything: tell GOD your needs and don’t forget to thank HIM for HIS answers. [Revised Standard translation]
As Philippians 4:6 states expect GOD to answer (even before GOD answers, give thanks!), so be persistent.