Thematic Selections from the Bible

This parable teaches us three things – To run to God in times of need, to go to God in prayer for the benefit of others and to be persistent in prayer.

Here, we find a villager with a family who’s asleep, and a neighbor in need. Hospitality was a strictly observed custom in that time, and a man who was unable to provide bread for a guest would be shamed. The man was thus in a very desperate position, and this drove him to be extremely persistent in asking his neighbor for help. The Greek word translated “boldness” in the NIV and “persistence” in the NASB implies impudence and audacity. This is what Jesus is saying should be our attitude as we approach the throne of grace—a confident boldness that persists in pursuing God until He grants us mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16).

Heb 4:16

16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help in time of need.

However, this boldness does not mean to say that we can be disrespectful or demanding. The reason why many of us ask, yet do not receive is because we do not ask, or ask with the wrong motives. The fact that we even have the honour of asking God for help shows God’s graciousness and mercy, and is something that we should appreciate, not demand the right for.

Jesus tells us that we should pray without ceasing, and to keep on asking. He assures us that, if whatever we ask is in God’s will, we will receive it.

Lk 11:5-8

5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

6 for a friend of mine is come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him;

7 and he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee?

8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will arise and give him as many as he needeth.