Luke 11:1-9

1One day, Jesus was praying in a certain place. He finished praying. Then, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Master, John taught his disciples how to pray. Please teach us as he did.’

2Jesus replied, ‘When you pray, you should say this: “God, our Father, we want people to give honour to you. We want the day when you rule everyone to come soon.

3Please give to us the food that we need each day.

4Forgive us for our sins, because we also forgive everyone who has done wrong things against us. And do not let us agree to do wrong things.” ’

5Jesus then told a story to teach them how to pray. He said, ‘Let me tell you about someone who goes to a friend's home at midnight. “My friend,” he says, “please give me three loaves of bread.

6A friend of mine is on a journey and he has arrived at my house. But I have no food to give him.”

7But his friend answers from inside his house. He says, “Do not cause problems for me! I have locked my door. My children and I have gone to bed. So I cannot get up and give you any bread.” ’

8Then Jesus said, ‘I will tell you what will happen. Perhaps your friend will not give you anything just because you are good friends. But if you continue to knock and ask for bread, your friend will get up. He will give you bread, as much as you need.

9So I tell you this. Continue to ask God for what you need. Then God will give it to you. Continue to look for what you need. Then you will find it. Continue to knock at the door and God will open it for you.