“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9).
Do you remember this old trick from when you were a kid? You ask one parent if you can do or have something, and when they say no, you go to the other parent and ask for the same thing. Looking back, I am surprised at how often this actually worked. Now, as a parent, I’m amazed how often this trick actually works on me! You must admire the persistence, though.
Luke 11 begins with something familiar—the Lord’s Prayer. But then we encounter some interesting parables about late-night bread runs and pranks parents could pull on their hungry kids. How do all of these relate? How do we see God in something so straightforward as the Lord’s Prayer and these two strange parables?
The common link is God as Father. The Lord’s Prayer starts with calling God Father, and these parables lean into this father-like image. When a friend comes knocking in the night, it can be quite disruptive. But eventually, the father gives what is needed. Why? Because the father cares for those in need. We are reminded that our heavenly Father will give the best gift, the Holy Spirit.
Jesus reminds us to ask, seek, and knock. Jesus is encouraging us to continually be in communication with our heavenly Father, who wants to give extravagantly to his children. Does this mean we get everything we want? A Lamborghini or a new job? Sometimes, but it really means God truly cares for us, hears us, and desires to be a part of our lives. So, when you pray, may you approach our heavenly Father with the zeal of a child asking … seeking … and knocking.
Reflection:
- How has your prayer life been lately? Where could you ask, seek, and knock?
- What comes to your mind when you think of God as a father?
- What is one thing you can do this week to deepen your connection with God the Father?