May 16, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 11:1-13

Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 18:1-7, 20-19:8; Luke 11:1-13

“What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:11-13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Jesus speaks to His lamb: My dear lamb, I will teach you to pray like I taught my disciples to pray. Read closely what I told them here in Luke 11. What I taught them is for you, too. Pray to the Father in My name; He will hear you and give you good.

When you pray to your Father in heaven, think about a father here on earth. Fathers on earth are not perfect. They struggle with sin like every human being.

But we know that fathers want to give good things to their children. If a son asks his father for a healthy meal like a fish or an egg, what father would be so evil that he would give his child a painful, venomous serpent or scorpion instead?!

If an imperfect father on earth knows how to give good gifts to his children, how much more will your perfect Father provide you with something good when you pray?

Your heavenly Father loves you. He gives you good gifts every day. He gave you the best Gift of all, Me— your Savior, your Good Shepherd. So when you pray, you can be confident that He will give you the Holy Spirit, who will create and strengthen your faith through My Word every day until you are safe in heaven. (And remember to tell Him, “Thank You.”)

Jesus’ lamb responds: Dear Jesus, thank you for teaching me to pray and showing me how much the Father loves me. Thank you, Father, for hearing my prayer and answering with the best of Your Gifts. You give me Your Son. You pour out Your Spirit. And you save me and keep me as your own.

Please give me faith to believe that You are good and that You answer my prayers, just as Jesus taught. Forgive me for the times I do not pray—for when I forget, am lazy, or don’t believe you can or will help.

You are good. Thank You for the good you always give me in Christ. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Neither life nor death shall ever from the Lord His children sever; Unto them His grace He showeth, and their sorrows all He knoweth. (LSB 725:3)

- Rev. Jeffrey Horn, pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God’s people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.