“Because of this man’s persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.” (Luke 11:8)

To usurp one of Pastor Alex’s favorite sermon illustrations, let’s play MadLibs where you fill in the blank. Teaching His disciples about prayer, Jesus says, “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 _____________________ to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13). What “good gifts” could fill in that blank: Material possessions? A raise at work? Successful children? Good health? Let’s see where Jesus is going with this.

He has just taught His disciples how to pray, specifically to pray for “daily bread” (v.3). Then Jesus maneuvers to a parable of a man boldly asking a neighbor for three loaves of bread at midnight. It’s not just the timing that’s impertinent; it’s the item itself. Bread was baked daily for one’s family; pantries weren’t full of extra loaves. This neighbor will not only have to get up, he will have to make bread. The neighbor acquiesces, not because this man is his friend, but because he is persistent (v.8). Are you getting a picture of how God might answer prayer? 

Jesus continues by noting if our children ask for something to eat, we don’t give them scorpions (v.12) (even though we might be tempted to do so because they’re so persistent!). Our fill-in-the-blank verse above is the very next thing Jesus says. While we expect Him to continue His focus on food or daily necessities, Jesus pivots to “good gifts” and says the Father’s best gift of all is the Holy Spirit. 

From the first example, we see how God responds to our desperate, persistent prayers. The neighbor acquiesces because his friend is annoyingly persistent; how much more will God, who loves us, respond when we pour out our heart. I love this about God: I can ask and ask and keep asking, knowing God will not be exasperated as this neighbor is, but He will answer. Jesus even tells His disciples: “ask [literally, continually ask] and it will be given to you” (v.9).

While this may sound like a blanket promise for anything I want, I see from the second example God is not a genie. He is my Father - the first word of the prayer Jesus models for the disciples (v.2). While this neighbor did receive bread, my loving Father - Who knows what I really need - may overrule my request. Even though He hears my desperation, He may have a better gift for me.

That better gift is what our fill-in-the-blank verse promises: the Holy Spirit. This is my greatest need, daily. I may not get what I asked God for, but with this gift, I’ll get much more of Him. And that is daily bread enough.

Do you feel like you’ve been pestering God about something close to your heart because you keep asking? Do you think He’s weary of your petition? He’s certainly not.  But in this delay, could God be waiting for you to ask for more of Him?