Today’s Gospel:  Luke 11:5-13

REFLECTION
The homes of the peasants during Jesus’ time were very simple indeed, consisting of a two-level apartment. The one section was raised somewhat above the other, and there was very little privacy. Often - as is still the case in certain parts of the Middle East - even the domestic animals were brought into the house during the night. This was the safest way of preventing their being stolen. The upper or raised platform was the bedroom, where the family lay upon the floor. The animals occupied the lower deck of the apartment, and when the entire household had retired, it would indeed be a nuisance to respond to the requests of any man who decided to come calling at midnight. If the family were large, it would be necessary to step over or between the sleeping people; the animals would be disturbed, and by the time the operation had been completed, everybody would be disturbed and probably grumbling. The Lord Jesus was an expert in finding illustrations, and each of the listening disciples would fully appreciate the problem being set forth in the Savior’s message. The man at the door was a nuisance, but his continued knocking proclaimed the fact that he was determined to remain a nuisance unless somebody in that house opened the door. He needed something; he needed it urgently. His friend in bed was able to supply what was necessary, so he had better get up fast! If he did not the whole village would wonder if he were dead. Thus did the Lord describe the art of prayer. He did not mean to infer that God had to be coaxed into responding to the cry of His children. Jesus was teaching by contrasts. If ordinary men would do this thing, how much more could God be expected to do it? However, the three stages of prayer as outlined in the text suggest we miss many answers to prayers because we are not in earnest about the thing we desire done. Asking is but a petition; Seeking implies persistent petitioning; Knocking indicates force - persevering force. Either the man will get out of bed, or the door will come off its hinges! “This,” said Jesus, “is the prayer that brings results.”

Today’s Reading:  Gal 3:1-5

PRAYER
Lord, teach me to pray earnestly, not carelessly, not half-heartedly.  For you are a serious God who merits serious conversation.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.