07/10/2026
Anne says, in this reading from Luke Jesus provides another teaching on prayer following on from his teaching of The Lord's Prayer. This passage emphasises persistence, trust, and the nature of God's response to our prayers. For us, it carries several key meanings.
At the beginning, persistence in prayer. Jesus tells the parable of a friend who goes to his neighbor at midnight to ask for bread. The neighbor initially refuses but eventually gives in due to the friend's persistence. This teaches the importance of being persistent in prayer. It suggests that God listens to those who continually seek Him, even when answers do not come immediately. It reflects the virtue of perseverance and faithfulness in one's relationship with God.
Then we move to the thought of assurance in God’s generosity. The famous lines, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you," reassure us of God's generosity. We understand this as an invitation to approach God with confidence and trust. God is seen as a loving Father who desires to give good gifts to His children. While this doesn't mean that God will grant every request, it does indicate that He listens and responds in ways that are ultimately for the good of those who believe.
Anne reminds of two takeaways from today’s Gospel:
Firstly, persistence - It’s not about wearing God down, but about cultivating a deep, trusting relationship with Him.
And… be confident - We are encouraged to trust that God, like a loving parent, will provide what is best, even if it's not always in the form or timing one expects.
Anne concludes by encouraging us to approach God in prayer confidently, persistently, and with an openness to receive His will, trusting in His love and in his wisdom.
