Luke 11

Scripture

Luke‬ ‭11:9‬ ‭NLT

“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” 

Observation-What does it say?

Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray. Jesus then teaches them more about prayer by telling them a story about a man and his neighbor. The story is about a man who has an unexpected guest come to him in the middle of the night. Now it is Jewish tradition to be very hospitable to a guest. So this man goes to his neighbor’s house in the middle of the night to ask to borrow 3 loaves of bread so he can feed his guest. Although the neighbor and his family are already in bed and “closed” for the night, Jesus explains that because the man’s shameless persistency to keep knocking on his neighbor’s door asking for aid, the neighbor will end up helping him because of it. Jesus then explains to his disciples that is how prayer works sometimes. They are to keep on seeking, keep on asking, and their Heavenly Father will open the door and let them in.

Understanding-What does it mean?

Keep praying! Don’t ever give up!

Have you ever felt discouraged because it seems no matter how much we pray for something, God seems to be ignoring our requests? I’m sure we all felt that way. Whether it’s praying for a sickness to go away, or praying for a loved one to come to know Jesus, or even praying for a financial burden to be lifted from our situation, we all have been there. But did you know that God hears and answers all our prayers? Sometimes our prayers could be answered with a “Yes”. But more times than often our prayers will be answered with a “No” or “Not yet”. One thing that I have learned as I walk with God is that my prayers should not be about God aligning to my will. Rather my prayers should be about me aligning with God’s will. Once I came to that understanding, I began to lean and trust in God’s sovereignty even more. I learned to trust in God’s good and perfect will over my own. I learned the value of patience and persistence. Finally, I learned that God wants that daily and regular relationship with me. He wants me to keep seeking, and keep asking. The answer to my prayers may not always be when or what I want, but at the end of the day, I know God is in control. And I know He wants the best for me.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”-‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55: 8

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!”‭‭ John‬ ‭15:7‬ ‭

“Never stop praying.”-1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:17‬

Life Application

Start and end each day coming to God in prayer.

It’s the first thing we should do when we wake up. Give God our prayers of thanksgiving and praise. Ask for His guidance, strength, and provision. Seek His forgiveness and confess our sins to Him. Then as our day is about to end, seek God and thank Him for the day. Pray for your family and friends. Seek God’s will in your life. This is just a guideline. Feel free to seek God’s help and strength throughout the day. Thank Him before each meal. Pray before heading out on your daily commute. God is eagerly waiting to hear from you. Are we just as eager to seek and greet Him?

-Moses Gaddi