This is the day the LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Gen. 18:20-32
Col. 2:6-15
Luke 11:1-13
Psalm 138
As the Gospel of Luke continues to educate us in the way of the
disciples, we come to Jesus teaching His followers in the matter of
prayer. He begins with the now familiar words of the LORD'S Prayer, or
some call it "Kingdom Prayer." Already with the opening word, Father,
we can see that Jesus does not promote the attitude of groveling
subject pleading before the harsh sovereign. But how far can we go in
our prayer? The answer surprises us, and must have astounded Jesus'
first listeners.
"Be persistent." our LORD advises. Don't walk around on eggshells,
afraid to ask too much or too often. Pound on God's door; make a pest
of yourself, not because God is indifferent to our needs, but as an . . .
This is the day the LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Gen. 18:20-32
Col. 2:6-15
Luke 11:1-13
Psalm 138
As the Gospel of Luke continues to educate us in the way of the disciples, we come to Jesus teaching His followers in the matter of prayer. He begins with the now familiar words of the LORD'S Prayer, or some call it "Kingdom Prayer." Already with the opening word, Father, we can see that Jesus does not promote the attitude of groveling subject pleading before the harsh sovereign. But how far can we go in our prayer? The answer surprises us, and must have astounded Jesus' first listeners.
"Be persistent." our LORD advises. Don't walk around on eggshells, afraid to ask too much or too often. Pound on God's door; make a pest of yourself, not because God is indifferent to our needs, but as an exercise in faith-building for us. Do we really believe in a loving God? Then put that faith on the line, and trust in God to come through for us.
Christian friends, there are no secret formulas. Just ask, seek, knock, and God who is a loving Father will gladly give us good gifts. Once again, as in our recent Sundays, the lesson is: If you want to know God, look for love, look for grace. Prayer is not manipulating God to get what we want but discovering what He wants us to do, and then asking the Holy Spirit to enable us to do His will.
Lord, teach us how to pray aright,
Oh, lead us in Your way
We humbly bow in Your pure sight
LORD, teach us how to pray.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - Begin the day with prayer; end it with praise.