Persistent prayer

Here again, Jesus teaches the importance of persistent prayer. Three words are placed side by side: “Ask. Seek. Knock.” These three words signify continuous action. God’s response to persistent prayer is written in verse 10: “For everyone who asks, receives, and the one who seeks, finds, and to the one who knocks, it will be opened” (Luke 11:10). However, from these teachings we must not think that everything we pray for will be granted exactly as we ask. If everything we prayed for were to come true just as we asked, it would be terrifying, and we would not be able to pray. At times God says, “No.” That, too, can be the answer to prayer. Through this, God is in fact answering the true intent of our prayers. In your life, has there been times when things did not turn out the way you asked, yet in the end it led to greater blessing? God never overlooks a sincere prayer.

How much more will your heavenly Father give

Next, from an example in daily life, light is shed on God’s grace. Two contrasts are given: “fish and serpent,” “egg and scorpion.” Among the fish caught in the Sea of Galilee, there were some that resembled serpents. Also, in the desert regions, there were white-colored scorpions, and when they curled up, they looked very much like eggs. A child without discernment might mistakenly reach out for the counterfeit. But a father gives only what is genuine to his child. That is a father’s love. Here, a third contrast is introduced. The contrast between an earthly father and the heavenly Father. Jesus concluded with these words: “So if you, despite being evil, 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 11:13). Let us take note of the expression, “how much more.” The heavenly Father gives nothing but the very best. And one of the greatest of these gifts is the Holy Spirit. Your heart may hold many desires. But did you know that if your heart is filled with the Holy Spirit, most of those desires will be resolved? In Romans 8, the blessings of a Christian life filled with the Spirit are written. Read that passage prayerfully. Let’s pray, “Fill me with the Holy Spirit.” And once you have prayed, believe that you have been filled, and receive it.