Sunday, September 20, 2026
Luke 11:5-13
Perseverance in Prayer
5 And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ 7 And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything out of friendship, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs. 9 “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 Is there anyone among you who, if your child asked for a fish, would give a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if the child asked for an egg, would give a scorpion? 13 If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
In the culture of the Midwest, lending a cup of sugar to your neighbor is commonplace. But it seems in this gospel passage that Jesus’ story makes the point that only God is reliable for our greatest asks. Be it a cup of sugar or the forgiveness of our sins.
And as the title of this passage presents, perseverance in prayer should be our goal when it comes to bringing all our pleas to God. Whether we are asking for a cup of sugar, three loaves of bread, or knocking on a door to find someone or something on the other side. That is a peculiar action when you think about it, knocking on a door. We are not always sure what is on the other side of that door.
I mean, sure, we have in mind what or who we would like it to be. But stepping out in faith through that open door when the other side is revealed is no small thing. Stepping through the door that takes a lot of courage. And no matter what we must ask, Jesus words in this gospel remind us about who our God is and the type of relationship God has with us. Our God is generous. Our God is kind. Our God is full of compassion.
The challenge is, when we ask God for what we think we need, we do not often receive it. Whether at all or at least on our timeline. So, we doubt ourselves and our ability for faith in God because our request wasn’t met the way we hoped. But in those moments, we should not doubt ourselves or God, but rather persevere in prayer, in conversation with God to help us endure our disappointment. Such open and vulnerable communication with God will build up in us the patience we need each day to live in faith as we step through the door out into the world.
– Pr. Kyle
Gracious God, give us good courage and strength to persevere in prayer with you. When we cannot find the words, guide us with your Spirit through the Holy Scriptures to connect with those who have persevered in prayer before us. Amen.