Today's gospel passage is often misinterpreted to mean we should persist in prayer. Persistence is part of the parable, but not the main point (Lk 11:8). The parable concludes that, if we can get something from an uncooperative friend through persistence, we can be sure of receiving much more, even the Holy Spirit, from our heavenly Father Who loves us with a perfect love (Lk 11:13).
The point of the parable is the certainty of our prayers being answered. Because we are certain our prayers will be answered as we expect or in an even better way, we are motivated not only to persist in prayer but to pray always (Lk 18:1). Because of our Father's love, we see the power, privilege, and joy of prayer. To pray always is not a burden but a cause for thanksgiving (see Phil 4:6).
When we pray, we are not doing God a favor. He is gracing us with the awesome privilege of communicating with Him. We can never be worthy enough to pray, but the Lord gives us the privilege of entering into His presence always, and not just once in a lifetime. Pray in thanksgiving for God's gift of prayer.
| PRAYER: | Father, thank You for letting me pray after each of these teachings in this book. |
| PROMISE: | "But for you who fear My name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays." –Mal 3:20 |
| PRAISE: | Sharon strives to pray always, as Jesus commanded, by practicing praying in traffic, checkout lines, etc. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College