Jesus’ words in 7:7-8 feel promising to some of us, but they feel naïve and misleading to others. We often relate more with the Psalmist in Psalm 10:1, crying out “Why, LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” Have you ever felt like God didn’t hear or answer your prayers? How do you make sense of that experience, in light of what Jesus says here?
What is the analogy that Jesus is making with bread, stones, fish, and snakes in verses 9-11? How is a stone similar to and different from bread? How is a snake similar and different from a fish? How does this help us understand the meaning behind Jesus’ words?
Read Luke’s account of Jesus’ words in Luke 11:9-13.
Compare and contrast Luke’s account of the story with Matthew’s.
What do we learn from reading them side by side?
In Luke’s account, instead of being given “good gifts” we are given a person, the Holy Spirit. What difference does that make?
What role does the Holy Spirit play in our prayer lives? How should we expect to experience the Spirit in prayer? When have you experienced the Holy Spirit in prayer?
Spend some extra time in prayer today. Share prayer requests and then begin by praising God for who He is. Continue with an extended period of silence, inviting the Holy Spirit to shape your prayer time. Listen for the still, small voice of God, directing your prayers. Spend time asking, seeking, knocking.
Mathew P. John