So listen! Keep on asking, and you will receive. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened for you.
Observation
The disciples see the way that Jesus talks to the Father, and they want that same relationship, so they ask Christ how to pray. Jesus teaches them, but he also teaches them to persist in prayer. Jesus gives them information about persistence in prayer even though the didn't ask. Why?
I think it is because persistence solidifies our request and builds in us faith and humility. This is very different from a genie that grants all our wishes, and I think that is what God would become to us if we just went to Him to receive everything we wanted.
Persistence solidifies our request by pushing us past what is comfortable. It isn't comfortable to go a friends house in the middle of the night and knock on the door. Your fists will begin to ache, legs hurt, you get cold, and your tired. But your need pushes you on.
Persistence creates humility because it causes you to rely on God to answer the door. Persistence also builds faith, because you don't know when or how God will answer, but you will not be moved.
Application
There are a few areas in my life that I've been praying about for a long time. I have yet to see an answer and it is very easy to get discouraged. But God's word encourages me this morning to keep on, to press through.
Prayer
Father, I come before You again with my requests. Please answer me.
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