Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Just like yesterday in Matthew’s Gospel, Luke also tells us that Jesus taught the disciples how and what to prayer through his model prayer. Luke, however, adds a special encouragement from Jesus to never give up, even when it feels like our prayers never get past the ceiling.

In Luke 11:5-13, Jesus shares a parable about persistence in prayer. Do you have those friends that just seem to never give up? Maybe you are the type of person that simply refuses to take “no” for an answer. Jesus tells us about a friend who shows up at midnight asking for bread to help someone else in need. Understandably so, his request is met with reluctance. I get it. I love helping people, but if you come knocking at midnight, I’m probably not answering the door with joy and grace. Eventually the friend gives in to persistence and meets the need.

It is kind of a strange parable honestly, but here is the point. If even imperfect human beings respond to persistent requests, how much more will God, who is perfect in love and provision, respond to those who seek Him persistently?

There is a lot to learn here. First, we need to notice the virtue of persistence. God desires us to persistently bring our needs, concerns, and desires to Him. It's not about pestering or manipulating but about demonstrating our trust and dependence on God's perfect timing and wisdom.

Secondly, it highlights the generous nature of God's character. He is not a reluctant giver like the friend in the parable but a loving Father who delights in providing for His children. God invites us to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He hears and cares for us deeply.

Jesus emphasizes the certainty of God's response. He assures that everyone who asks receives, everyone who seeks finds, and to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. However, this isn't a guarantee of receiving exactly what we ask for in the precise manner we expect. God answers according to His wisdom and what is ultimately best for us. I’m thankful God gives what He knows we need, not what we think we need.

Don't miss the last line in this parable. Jesus closes by comparing the gift of the Holy Spirit to a good gift given by earthly fathers to their children. God doesn't just grant our requests but gives us the greatest gift—the Holy Spirit—who guides, comforts, and empowers us in our walk of faith.

As we persist in prayer, let's do so with expectant hearts, trusting in the gracious and loving nature of our Heavenly Father.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflections:

• Has God ever answered your prayers in a timing you did not expect?
  
• One of the great benefits of journaling your prayers is that you can be reminded of how God has answered prayers that you might have even forgotten you prayed. If you don’t currently, consider journaling your prayers this month and see what God does.

Family Devo: Luke 11:1-13

By: Cindy Ogilvie

When partnering with your family to know, love, and follow Jesus, we strive to create and share content filtered by the Head-Heart-Hands model.   

Head: the knowledge of God and His Word | Heart: the personal connection from scripture | Hands: a missional mindset  

Head

How does this scripture show you how to pray?

Heart

How does this scripture make you feel about prayer? Do you see your prayer as talking to a friend or is your prayer more formal?

Hands

In this passage, God tells you how to pray and tells you that no matter what you can pray to him. What are some things you may be forgetting to pray about?

Prayer: Lord, I pray for open ears and open heart so that I can hear what You are trying to tell me. Lord, I ask for guidance throughout this day. Lord, I love You and thank You. Amen!