As I begin to pray today, what is on my mind? And what is in my heart?

Am I feeling happy with life? Calm? Serene? Or perhaps tired, frustrated, fed up?

God knows me better than I know myself, so I can be honest with God about my feelings, and place myself now, as I really am, before the Lord.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 11:5-13

And [Jesus] said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.” And he answers from within, “Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give 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!’

In today’s reading Jesus is speaking about perseverance in prayer and uses one of his favourite teaching tools, a parable, to paint a theatrical response. Imagine sitting with Jesus as He tells this parable. His tone, is it firm, playful, encouraging? How do His words make you feel?

Jesus uses the image of someone knocking on a friend’s door at midnight. The lesson is clear: keep knocking. Might you sometimes give up on prayer too easily? Do you trust God, even when the answer doesn’t come quickly?

Jesus asks, if parents give good things to their children, how much more will God give to those who ask? What do you feel about this? Is stubborn persistence the answer? Fish and snakes, eggs and scorpions. Is there another way of understanding these images or understanding the message?

As you listen to the passage again, consider Jesus’ invitation and ask, am I seeking the Spirit who transforms my heart and so my prayer?

Luke 11:5-13

And [Jesus] said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.” And he answers from within, “Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give 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!’

“Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find.”

In a time of prayer and trusting in the Lord’s grace, accept the invitation to share your needs with the Holy Spirit.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen