On Praying Persistently

When do we give up?

   So many times, it seems like Jesus is just not answering our prayers.  It can feel like He is not even listening.  But even Jesus told us to keep praying.  In the 11^th chapter of Gospel of Luke, Jesus first teaches His disciples the Our Father.  Immediately after, He tells a story about asking a friend for bread in the middle of the night when a traveler arrives at his house.  Telling His disciples how the friend will definitely help if persistently asked.

   Well, is God a good friend that will answer because of our friendship OR does God only answer because of our persistence?  It would be a bit of both.  Not that God is not a good friend to us always, but that we are not always a good friend to God.  But God is more than a good friend.  He is the Best Father.  And the Best Father will not do what is not the best for us.  Why does He require persistence sometimes?  Perhaps, it is really us that needs the persistence.

   Jesus continues in the Gospel of Luke telling us to ask, so that we can receive.  And then talks about fathers giving gifts to their children finishing with, “if you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?”. – [Luke 11:13]

   All of this is connected.  Jesus teaches us a prayer to Our Heavenly Father and then proceeds to tell us of persistence in asking and that those who ask receive.  And finishing by telling how Our Heavenly Father will give good gifts to us.  Persistence is prayer is part of it.

   Jesus, You were persistent in Your love for us as You suffered through Your Passion.  Help us to see that our persistence in prayer is much like a child asking for good things from God and that He will only give us the good things we ask for.  Amen.