Luke 11:1-13 ~ Persistent Pursuit

There are times in each of our lives when we have a specific need. By need I mean something that we cannot wait for but have to have immediately. We find ourselves in a near state of panic as we try to figure out how we are going something paid, accomplish the task set before us, a family member or friend is facing a life threatening illness, we are confused about what to do about a certain relationship etc.

In looking at the passage referred to as the Lord’s Prayer in Luke 11:1-13 Jesus tells a story about a man who had an immediate need. The man went to the house of a friend only to be turned down in the late of the night. Jesus points out that” … because of your shameless persistence he will get up and give you whatever you need” (Luke 11:8).

Much in the same way is our Father in Heaven. T. Wright observes that Jesus “is encouraging a kind of holy boldness, a sharp knocking on the door, an insistent asking, a searching that refuses to give up” (134). When it comes to our immediate needs the Lord is completely aware of them. However, He wants us to besiege Him in faith through prayer and petition for the things that concern us the most.

As Wright correctly observes: “There are, of course, too many things to pray about. That’s why it’s important to be disciplined and regular” ( Wright, 129).

Each day we face new challenges and have new needs, and all too often we become overwhelmed by the demands placed on us by bosses, coworkers, family, friends and even ourselves. The truth is that we all have needs and we need answers now. May this passage serve to remind us that we have a loving Father who is standing by waiting to hear from us. He longs for His children to cry out to Him. May each of us take time out today from our hustling around to meet deadlines and demands to besiege our merciful, loving Father. And may we each begin by saying “Father, may your name be honored; may your kingdom come; give us each day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, as we too forgive all our debtors; and don’t put us to the test” (Luke 11:2-4).

Bryan