Do As Jesus Did: From Consistent to Persistent. (def:) PRAYER A relational connection with the Father — learning to be with, talk to and listen to God. Motivation for prayer is an urgent . 5 Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, 6 ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ 7 And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ 8 But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. Attitude of prayer is dependence. 9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Power for prayer is a Father. 11 “You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? 12 Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! 13 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” What Now? Use your limitations to trigger your relentless prayer for God's help. Continuing the Conversation 1. Where in your life right now do you feel like 2. you have nothing to offer, and how is that shaping the way you pray? 3. What might your persistence (or inconsistency) in prayer reveal about what you actually believe about God? When you picture God listening to you, what is your instinctive view of Him? how does that affect your prayers?