Because of His Persistence He Will Get Up

This meditation is based on a passage for May 31, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Luke 11:1-13

Reflection and Question: Jesus offers us such wonderfully hopeful words about prayer here. He speaks again in a parable of the man who wakens his friend in the night to ask for bread. Though the friend is already in bed, ill disposed to get up to help, still, says Jesus, he gives the man what he needs “because of his persistence.” Like the story of the widow imploring the unjust judge (Lk 18:1-5), this teaches us to keep knocking at God’s door with our prayers. Jesus teaches that our persistence in prayer will not go unanswered. When have you kept knocking at God’s door and God finally answered?

Prayer: Holy Spirit of the Living God, we trust Jesus’ assurance that our persistent prayers will be heard. Like a loving parent who will not give a scorpion when the child asks for an egg, You will hear our petitions and give us what we need. Thanks. Amen.