Persistent Prayer

Luke 11:1-13

When Jesus teaches the disciples the Lord's prayer he not only instructs with words they should pray with, but the manner and spirit of prayer. Jesus tells them that to: "ask, it will be given you; search and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you." (Luke 11:9) We need to be dogged and persistent in our prayers, knowing that God who loves us will not ignore our cries. We cannot become discouraged when our prayers do not seem to be answered, but keep praying in hope and faith and allow God to hear your voice.

Prayer is essential to the life of faith because it connects us to God in such a direct and intimate way. Our relationship with God is cultivated through a life of prayer. God wants to hear from us when we struggle and when we are filled with joy. Our prayers do not always get answered with the outcome we want, but they are heard by the God who loves us. When we pray our hearts are connected to God in a powerful way, we place our trust and hope in God's saving power. God will not disappoint or ignore our cries. As Jesus reminds us: "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 11:13) So keep praying and trusting that God hears your prayers.