"And He said to them, "Suppose one of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves;' . . . 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." Luke 11:5-8 NASB

Jesus often taught by telling parables, simple stories that illustrate a greater spiritual principle. This parable teaches that one is to be persistent in prayer. Through persistence in prayer, a disciple conveys that his need is great and that only God can provide the answer. This parable is not about manipulating God to do one's desires or about pleading until God changes His mind. It is about demonstrating one's desperate need for God to act and utter dependance upon God to meet that need.

Lord Jesus, as I learn to pray, teach me to be persistent in praying. I acknowledge that You will provide all I need.

Rev. Max Hutto is the Minister of Music and Education at North Acres Baptist Church in Minden. More information can be found at www.upwardlook.org.