THE ATTITUDE OF PRAYER

“So I say to you: ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” —Luke 11:9, 10

Jesus’ disciples had asked Him to teach them to pray (see Luke 11:1). In Luke’s telling of it, this was the cue for Jesus to give them the words of the “Lord’s Prayer.” But Jesus followed this by teaching them the attitude they should have toward prayer.

He did not explain how prayer works or why some prayers seem to produce miraculous results while others feel like they are met with silence.

But through an intriguing parable and direct instruction, He urged the disciples to be audacious and persistent in prayer. This was not so much about results, about getting what we want from God, as important as that can be. As Jesus would conclude, God is not unwilling to answer prayers and give His people what they need (see Luke 11:11–13).

Rather, prayer is about boldly engaging with God in ways that will deepen our relationship with Him. “It is not a transient thought that is to be given to God.

Our prayers are to be fervent and earnest, as were the petitions of the needy friend who asked for the loaves at midnight. The more you ask, the firmer will be your spiritual union. You may come into that place where you will have increased blessings because you have increased faith.”* Living as a follower of Jesus is about overcoming our fear of God and growing our trust in Him by committing all our lives—the big things and the smaller things—to Him and His care. This is the key attitude and result of prayer that Jesus taught His disciples.

* Ellen G. White, Christ Triumphant (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald®, 1999), 54.