PARABLES OF JESUS – Persistent Prayer
Luke 11:5-8
"And He said to them, 'Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight, and say to him, "Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him"; and he will answer from within and say, "Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you"? I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will rise and give him as many as he needs.' "
Remember that there is usually one central teaching in a given parable. In understanding this parable, the one main idea is persistent prayer. It is not that God doesn't care and doesn't want to be disturbed by our petitions. From the total context of Scripture, we know that God is "a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1), and He invites us to cast all of our cares on Him because He cares for us (I Peter 5:7). Jesus followed this parable with the admonition to "ask [and keep on asking], and it will be given you" (vs. 9). When it seems that God is asleep and the doors to heaven are shut, we are not to quit praying but to continue to seek His help.
TODAY'S THOUGHT: Persistence is the key to prayer.
Have a persistent day. Love you.
Luke 11:5-8
"And He said to them, 'Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight, and say to him, "Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him"; and he will answer from within and say, "Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you"? I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will rise and give him as many as he needs.' "
Remember that there is usually one central teaching in a given parable. In understanding this parable, the one main idea is persistent prayer. It is not that God doesn't care and doesn't want to be disturbed by our petitions. From the total context of Scripture, we know that God is "a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1), and He invites us to cast all of our cares on Him because He cares for us (I Peter 5:7). Jesus followed this parable with the admonition to "ask [and keep on asking], and it will be given you" (vs. 9). When it seems that God is asleep and the doors to heaven are shut, we are not to quit praying but to continue to seek His help.
TODAY'S THOUGHT: Persistence is the key to prayer.
Have a persistent day. Love you.
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