Walk on the Side of Righteousness Daily Reflection and Prayer Sunday July 27th 2025
Luke 11:1-13 (NIV)
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.”
5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
In this passage, Jesus teaches us both how to pray and the nature of God as a loving Father who desires to give good gifts to His children. The Lord’s Prayer is a model of humility, dependence, and forgiveness. Jesus encourages persistent prayer with the story of the friend at midnight, reminding us that persistence in prayer is not about wearing God down but about expressing our trust and reliance on Him. God’s response to our prayers is rooted in His love and generosity, promising the Holy Spirit to those who ask. This reassures us that our prayers are heard and that God is eager to provide what is truly good and necessary for our lives.
Today, dedicate time to pray intentionally and persistently. Use the Lord’s Prayer as a guide, but also bring your own concerns, joys, and questions to God. Practice trusting God’s timing and goodness by praying regularly, even when it feels challenging. Consider setting a daily reminder to pause and connect with God through prayer.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for teaching us how to pray and for always listening to our prayers. Help me to come to You with faith and persistence, trusting that You hear me and will answer according to Your perfect will. Teach me to rely on You daily and to seek Your presence in every situation. Fill my heart with peace as I wait on You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.