October 2

Jesus Is the Subject…

October 2

Today’s Reading - Luke 11:5-8

Thought:
“Because of his persistence…” Some have asked if it is wrong to pray about
the same thing repeatedly, to petition God over and over again concerning the same
situation. Some want to know “doesn’t it show a lack of faith?” This little parable gives
the answer to that question. Jesus is teaching a lesson about the persistence in prayer
that God wants for us to demonstrate. But don’t misunderstand the meaning of this
parable. In the story, it appears that the friend, who initially refused the borrower’s
request, does eventually grant the request because of the continual pestering of the
borrower. Does that mean that God is, at first, hesitant to answer our prayers but might
be willing to grant our petitions if we pester Him enough? Not at all! God is never
bothered by our prayers, nor is He hesitant to answer. The meaning of this teaching is
simply that God desires our persistence in prayer. He wants to hear from us over and
over again. He wants us to rely upon Him and to pray to Him “without ceasing” (1
Thessalonians 5:17). For it is in prayer that we find the comfort and solace that only
God can provide.
Why do you think God has such a desire for us to pray to Him?