Catholic Identity
Gospel Reading: Luke 11:1–13
"He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.’”
And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything out of friendship, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.
“So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Summary
In this passage, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray using the words we now know as the Our Father or Lord’s Prayer. He shows them that prayer is about trust and relationship with God. Jesus then tells a story to encourage people to pray with persistence, not giving up. He reminds us that God is a loving Father who listens and gives good things to those who ask. This reading teaches us to pray honestly, trust deeply, and believe in God's generous love.
Reflection
- Do I approach prayer as a conversation with a loving and generous God, or as a task to complete?
- In what ways can I grow in persistence in prayer, even when I don’t see answers right away?
- How do I view God as a Father — do I truly believe He wants what is good for me?
Prayers of Intention
It could be nice to offer prayers of intention as you pray at home before a meal one time this week.
Short Prayer:
Loving God,
Thank You for teaching me how to pray.
Help me to come to You with an open heart, trusting that You hear me and want what is best for me.
Teach me to keep asking, seeking, and knocking with faith.
Amen.