Main Idea: Christians should pray freely and expectantly because God cares for the honour of his name. So pray in hope, adopted child, because the nature of our God is that of a loving father. Everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened, that God’s name might be honoured through his covenant people before all the world!

1. The parable of the friend at midnight (5–8)

• No friend would turn down an urgent, legitimate request to help a neighbour fulfil a sacred duty, no matter how he might be tempted to try to put him off with lame excuses. How much more will God answer prayer!

2. Ask and it will be given to you! Seek, and you will find! Knock and the door will be opened to you! (9-10)

• This saying does not commend the virtue of asking, seeking, and knocking so much as it highlights God’s love and grace that responds to requests.

3.  The parable of the father who gives what his child needs (11–13)

• No father would give his child something harmful or even deadly, a snake or a scorpion, instead of the food that his hungry child needs and requests.How much more will our Father in heaven give to his adopted children what is most needed!

Come, my soul, thy suit prepare;

Jesus loves to answer prayer;

He himself has bid thee pray,

Therefore will not say thee nay.

Thou art coming to a King;

Large petitions with thee bring;

For his grace and power are such,

None can ever ask too much.

John Newton (1725-1807)