Luke 11 - Teach Us To Pray, O God! Impress on our hearts to go to you like we would go to this neighbor asking for some bread. We need you so to help us! Every night I bend my knees and pray the Our Father to close my day. Hallowed Be Your Name!
Luke 11:13 - And you quiet my heart, O God, by answering --- whether now or later or eternity. Just like the neighbor who gives you what you need even though he doesn't want to get out of bed, the neighbor moves out of relationship with you to give you your request. How much more so, O God of Infinite Mercy on each of us.
And this day, I ask that you would allow our neighbor to rise up and walk with You and us...and you know what I mean, dear Beautiful God! Help us all to rise up today to meet the needs of our friends.
Would you teach us to pray today as we hold fast and lean hard onto You!
Luke 11:5 "And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him."
ReplyDeleteI have read this passage many times in the past and it went right over my head. I didn't realize how it is all about intercession. The friend was asking for another friend. He probably was prepared to meet the needs of his own household, but when the friend knocked at his door, he went out of his way to make sure his friend's needs were met, even though he had to knock on his neighbor's door at midnight.
Then the scripture takes us to Jesus, teaching us how to pray to the Father, and it doesn't matter if it is at midnight or anytime. It's no bother, just ask.
How often am I willing to go out of my way, leave my comfort zone to make sure my neighbor is ready for the Master's return?
"...the door is now shut..." Praying we open ourselves to friends who need us, especially when they don't know how to ask.
ReplyDeleteThe Spirit is speaking to me in a mighty way this morning. I have to add heartfelt thnks for all the interseekers who have spent time and tears praying for me.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for a praying mother, for dear friends who have lifted me up so many times, for my Dear Pearl Sisters and brothers. I have had the honor of praying with some of you personally, and many who have prayed via the internet.
I offer up praise and thanksgiving for all of you, and pray for each of you today.
Monday again, yet not another day like it in our carefully numbered years. Oh, to pray as Jesus taught, with adoration, acknowledgement, gratitude, guidance, confession, contrition letting each element add power and authenticity to our prayers. Teach us to pray, Lord.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't noticed that either, Jan, about the persistent neighbor being about intercessory prayer.
And Jesus' final reminder in today's reading: "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"
Deborah, I'm trying to get in touch with you. I called your cell but it was out of order and I'm wondering if it was cut off. I need you so. Give me a call when you can. Love, Bev
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