Luke 11:5-13 – Asking

These verses teach us the importance of persevering in prayer. As selfish as we are, even we can be roused to action by constant asking. How much more can we expect to receive mercy when we constantly ask God for it. It is far easier to begin a habit of prayer than to keep it up. Many Christians are taught to pray when they are young, and then gradually stop as they get older. Many begin to pray after some trial, and then slowly stop as time goes on. We start to think that there is no point in praying. We must resist the temptation to let our prayers die away. However poor we think our prayers are, let us resolve to keep praying rather than stop. God will answer every prayer in His time, so let us come to Him day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year. The answer may be long in coming, but it will come.

Our Lord Jesus Christ gives us tremendous promises in these verses. He promises the Holy Spirit – the greatest gift that God can give to man. When we have the Holy Spirit we have everything – a changed heart, eternal life, and the love of God. And this is a gift that can be obtained by prayer! Men say they are weak and helpless. But do they ask to be made strong? Men say they are wicked and sinful? But do they ask to be made better? Men say they can do nothing. But do they ask for the grace of the Holy Spirit? Unsaved men and women are what they are because they have no real desire to be changed. They have not, because they ask not. Do we strive to be better Christians, but feel ourselves falling short? Do we long to see a steady stream of men entering the ministry, of churches being planted, of sinners being saved? Is it the case with us as well that we have not because we ask not?

Questions
1. How can you improve your prayer time?
2. What is the greatest gift God gives us? Why?

Prayer Points
1. Pray for the salvation of the men, women, and children of our town.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.