Lord Teach Me To Pray #301

Luke 11:1 It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.”… 9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.

Jesus disciples had undoubtedly heard John the Baptist’s followers pray. They discovered that John had taught his followers to pray; so they asked Jesus to teach them to pray in a similar way. Jesus taught them three things. He taught them a model pray; that we often call “The Lord’s Prayer.” The model prayer has been used for all of Christendom.

He then taught them to be persistent in prayer. The story He told was of a person who has guests show up at midnight and he then goes next door and awakens his neighbor to ask to borrow three loaves of bread. The man refuses; but the man who needs the bread keeps on and on asking. Finally the man gives him what he wants. Luke 11:8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

In order to continue his emphasis on keeping on asking Jesus says if you will keep on asking, keep on seeking and keep on knocking the answer will come.               Luke 11:10 For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.

Jesus further explains to the disciples that God is not like the neighbor who is unwilling. God is Father who desires to meet your needs with what you ask. Luke 11:13 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

Are you persistent in prayer? Are you asking and believing that your Heavenly Father will answer your prayer. Don’t ever give up!       

___________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

I know that I have said it many times, but I always like to remind myself and you that GOD IS GOOD!!

What a blessing to know Him, love Him, and serve Him. I do pray that you are doing all three. 

I am writing this early this week as we will be in the Mountains and unable to receive wi-fi except on our phones and it is a bit difficult to write "The Encourager" on my phone. 

We will be leaving for camping on Monday morning. Looking forward to the time with family. 

This week we have heard great music from our grandsons. Burke, Bennett and Collin all had band concerts and Bennett also had a musical presentation. Burke and his Tapaw look great!!

The young lady with Bennett is Beth. They are both Juniors in high school and have known one another since birth. I had the privilege of doing their baby dedications when they were born. I also performed both of their parent's wedding ceremonies. I think I am getting old. 

Collin's picture is with his band teacher, Mrs DuPlesis. Collin won the award for leadership in his Concert Band. Bennett won the Leadership award in his Symphonic Band. Really excited for them. 

I will miss preaching at First Baptist Church on June 1st, but will return the following Sunday, the 8th.

Blessings to all of you.  ~ DGW