Yesterday, we witnessed the disciples’ selfless devotion to sharing the Gospel, even in the face of danger, and we saw how their prayers unleashed God’s power upon them which, in turn, brought blessing to others. Today, Jesus provides further guidance on prayer through the parable in Luke 11. 

This short parable is rich with meaning. First, it highlights the urgency of the need: a hungry traveler arrives late at night, and the man has no food. Second, it reveals the man’s love for his friend which compels him to act. He doesn’t dismiss the traveler or offer excuses. Third, we sense his feeling of helplessness: “I have nothing to set before him.” Fourth, the man demonstrates faith in the friend that he goes to in order to obtain the bread, believing that his request will be met. However, the central lesson of the parable hinges on what happens next: the friend initially refuses.

Jesus’s parable offers profound lessons about prayer! We are represented by the man visited by a hungry traveler, and the friend he appeals to for bread symbolizes God. Jesus emphasizes the importance of recognizing the needs of the people around us, of understanding God’s abundant ability to provide, and of the importance of passionately interceding for those in need. However, the friend’s initial reluctance reveals that prayer isn’t always easy or instantly answered. It may even feel like a rejection at times. Yet, the friend’s eventual response underscores the power of perseverance. Jesus encourages us to approach God with passion, boldness, and complete confidence that our requests will ultimately be granted. Do we recognize how God honors this unwavering faith—this refusal to give up despite silence or delay? Or do we give up and stop asking?