Luke 11:5-13
Introduction
In Luke 11, we see Luke’s version of the same Lord’s Prayer shared in Matthew 6. Luke followed this prayer with further encouragement for the believer who wants to pray effectively. First, we are reminded of the importance of persisting in prayer with confidence. The example is given of a person who asks his friend for bread. His friend is initially unwilling to help because he has retired for the evening but is later moved to share bread because of the “shameless audacity” of the request. Are you boldly insisting on God’s involvement in your life through prayer?
Luke underscores the importance of the believer’s responsibility in prayer in verses 9 and 10. We are to ask and then to keep on asking. It is when we ask for God’s help, seek God’s heart and His Word for an answer, and knock on the doors that appear to be closed that we will experience His provision. However, we are to talk to God with a clear understanding of who He is and what how His heart beats for his children.
Unlike a friend who doesn’t want to be inconvenienced, God is a Father. In Luke 11:12-13, we are reminded that even earthly fathers are expected to be good to their children. As God’s children, we are to boldly bring our needs before Him and can expect Him to respond appropriately to those needs. God is more than a friend — He is a dad. He is “Our Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9). Fatherhood trumps friendship any day. We are God’s children and are invited to come to God with our desires and to expect that He will answer our prayers in a way that is for our good and His glory.
Prayer is a partnership. If we want to experience the beauty of answered prayer we have to come to God believing that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). God wants His children to come to Him with settled confidence that He does indeed have the power to answer and that His answer will be based on His perfect will and in His perfect timing.
Prayer fully activates God’s providential plan in our lives. It is our commitment to engage in conversation with God so that His kingdom reigns fully in our everyday. Be bold in prayer and expect Him to move in your life. If we would ask our earthly friends to help us, how much more will our Father move on our behalf when we call upon Him?
Getting Started
- Share a situation with your group in which you asked a friend to do something and they said no, but later changed their mind. Include what you did to convince them to change their mind and say yes?
- Have you ever thought about your relationship with God in terms of Him being the Father? Share your thoughts with your group.
Let’s Get Personal
- What type of relationship did you have growing up with your father? What about now? Do you think your relationship with your earthly father has influenced your relationship with your heavenly Father? Share how with your group.
- Is there something you ever prayed about and gave up praying because you thought it would never happen? Allow your group to encourage you by asking ways they persistently, boldly, and expectantly bring their requests to God.
- Do you pray to God about everything? If not, what are some areas that you have neglected to pray about?
Take the Next Step
- Many people have a problem asking anyone for help. If that is you, boldly pray right now for what you need in your life knowing God is not yet anyone. Also, pray for someone else that you know which has a need.
- Ask God to show you ways that you can make your relationship with Him a priority by implementing more time committed to prayer.
- Want to go deeper? Take a look at the following passages: Matthew 6:9-13; 7:7-11; Psalm 2:8; 105:40; Isaiah 58:2; James 1:5-8.
Renew Your Mind
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7
