Daily Devotion

 

Jesus then launched into the Parable of 'the Friend at Midnight'. The parable speaks of the character of God in responding to the needs of His people. Jesus took a commonplace incident from everyday life to stress an important principle: true faith will persist in prayer until the answer comes.  A man went to his neighbor at midnight to borrow bread. A friend had just arrived, and it was an ordinary custom of hospitality to give the guest something to eat. Failing to offer food to a guest would be insulting. Jesus is teaching the need for persisting in prayer, so the emphasis rests upon the man who came asking a favor. He was shameless in his persistence, continuing his pleading until his friend responded.

 

The whole point of the story is the need for persisting in prayer. The picture is one of overcoming reluctance on the part of the neighbor.  Jesus encouraged believers to petition the Father because their requests will be answered. The Christian should not give up but continue seeking for an answer. Jesus was leading to a climactic statement here. He had emphasized that faith is not the only criterion for success in prayer; it is sometimes necessary to persist. Keep in mind that you are coming to a loving Heavenly Father.

 

Life Application: What is your prayer life like? Do you come boldly as a child of the king? Do you enjoy talking with Jesus and the Father? Praying should be done all day long.

 

Praise/Prayer: Dear Father, my heart rejoices when I hear or sing songs about You and Your love for Your children. A song I remember singing says, "And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known." Thank You for that comfort and peace I have as I walk with You. Amen!