The parables in Luke 11:5-13 help me see the need for my own persistence, and perhaps more importantly, my perseverance. In the first story, the visitor continues asking until he receives what he desires. In the second, those who ask, receive – if you don’t ask (if you don’t try, if you don’t pray), you don’t receive. Persistence – continuing to dialogue – God will answer, but we must initiate and ask. I am reminded of a little story – a man would pray every day “Please God, let me win the lottery.” Day after day, with no results. Finally in exasperation, he prayed “Lord, I ask day after day and I wonder if you hear me.” He listened and then he hear a voice say “Jim, help me out – buy a ticket!”

Tony Purcell Creighton Ministries