Learning to Pray

January 25, 2011

Read Luke 11:1-13

Luke 11:11-13
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

In Middle Eastern culture, citizens are expected to extend hospitality to strangers. Thus in Jesus’ illustration, the man went to his friend asking for bread, even in the middle of the night would be confident of getting it. Jesus went on to say that even a reluctant man would oblige his friend’s persistent request.

This story illustrates how we should approach God with our requests like the friend asking from bread; in full assurance that we will get our prayers answered. God is unlike the sleepy friend and better than the best earthly father. He longs to give us everything, evident by the gift of the Holy Spirit.

So we must learn to pray with a holy boldness; a daring spirit to ask God and never to give up. Our prayers are not to be routine mutterings and going-through-the-motion kind of prayers. It should be persistent, insistent and full of expectancy.

Prayers are the hardest when we are going through trials. As we struggle on without a view of the end in sight, it is tempting for us to just give up asking. But we must understand that prayer itself is a battle. Prayer confronts the work of darkness and disarms the power of principalities and forces in the heavenly place.

We approach prayer fully believing that God is better than the No. 1 best father on earth. We dare ask believing that God is the willing friend who will not turn us down.

Right theology gives energy and determination, which will inevitably transform our attitude, approach and practice of intercession.