Pray and Pray (Read Luke 11:5-13)
"That was Arnie again," Bill complained as he hung up the phone. "I wish he'd quit calling to ask if I'll come help him
with his model airplane. I'm not interested! I don't like model planes."
The following day Arnie called again-and the day after that, and the day after that. Finally Bill agreed to
help. "If nothing else, we'll get the plane done so Arnie won't keep after me anymore." Bill told his mother.
Mom nodded, and Bill headed out the door.
"Well, persistence scored again," observed Mother when Bill returned home. "Just like the man in the Bible."
Bill frowned. "What are you talking about?" he asked.
Mother laughed. "Jesus told about a man who helped his friend because he was so persistent," she explained. "That reminds me of Arnie. He kept calling and calling until you finally agreed to help him." She paused and looked at her son. "Christians shouldn't give up when they pray about things, either," she told him. "We should keep asking-keep praying in God's will, and he'll answer our persistent prayers of faith."
"I gave in even though I didn't really want to," said Bill thought-fully. "What if I'd keep begging for something God doesn't want? Would he give in, like I gave in to Arnie?"
"No," replied Mother, "but if you're persistent in prayer, God will answer by showing you a better way."
Just then the phone rang. It was Arnie again. "It was fun making the airplane today," said Arnie, Bill cringed-he was afraid Arnie might have another model ready to build. "I just wanted to say thanks for your help, Bill," added Arnie.
As Bill hung up the receiver, he felt good, It was nice of Arnie to call and say thanks, he thought. Then he thought of one more thing-it's important to say thanks when God answers too. N.E.K.
How about you? - Do you pray and pray and pray? Or do you give up when you don't get instant answers? Be persistent. God will answer in his special time and perfect way when you remain faithful in your prayers. And then be sure to tell him thank you.
Key: Be Persistent in Prayer
Memorize: "Ask, and it will be given to you; see, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" Luke 11:9
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