SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Luke 11:5-13
Ephesians 6:10-18

“Praying always with all prayer,
with all perseverance and
supplication for all saints.”

THE ATTITUDE IN PRAYER

Persistence demonstrates faith and trust in God’s power. Jesus told His disciples a parable about persistence in prayer. It shows how man must understand that God will answer his requests in His own perfect timing and will. It is important for man to acknowledge God’s sovereignty in prayer. (Read Ephesians 6:18.)

Passionate prayer demonstrates helplessness without God’s aid. This attitude is shown in the man pleading that he had nothing to set before his visiting friends. Jesus illustrated how man must see his absolute helplessness and that he cannot do anything without the Father’s help. Profound prayer reveals hopelessness without God’s answer. It is characterized by a heartfelt pleading with tears. It was not given him only because of his persistence and passionate request but because he conveyed the intensity of his pleading.

God guarantees answers to prayer. Ask and it shall be given you. Jesus taught them that if man follows His blueprint for prayer there will be guaranteed answers. No man who asks and seeks and knocks will be denied for our God is a loving and gracious God. He cannot deny His nature to provide and care for His people. If earthly fathers give good gifts, how much more will our Heavenly Father? His love is wise and just, His grace is bounteous and punctual. Only God has the power to do what is impossible for man.

Answered prayer is guaranteed because of the Holy Spirit’s interceding work. But do you have the Holy Spirit? The Father is ever ready to give the Holy Spirit to those who receive Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Having been made holy through Christ’s righteousness, they will surely receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Thus, for the Holy Spirit to reside in man, repentance of sins and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are required.

THOUGHT: Do I pray with a sincere heart?
PRAYER: Father, grant me the humility of heart to come before Thy presence for Thou art worthy to be praised!