I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
Luke 11:8 (NIV)
Lord Jesus this morning my mind is fixed on the words “shameless audacity.” In this parable it is about wanting and needing something so much that one is willing to pester someone to get it. In Your example it’s a willingness to cross whatever boundaries of decency you need to in order to have a need met. And You gave this parable in the context of teaching us how to pray. And what’s often missed by me is one of the central points that You are trying to get me to understand: don’t be ashamed or afraid to bring whatever You want or need to the Father.
Lord, I must confess that sometimes I do put up reasons and rationales for not bringing my needs, wants and desires to the throne. Sometimes it is because I look at them and feel like I shouldn’t ask for them because they make me feel childish or petty. Other times it is because I think I don’t deserve them. Still other times it is because I just don’t believe You want to give it to me. But the worst reason is because I don’t want to hear You say no.
Yet here You are encouraging me to have the shameless audacity to just ask. If I believe I have a need, ask. If I have a deep desire, ask. If there is something I just want, ask. This is reinforced by Your following words where You tell me if I ask I will receive (Luke 11:9-10). And the glorious thing is that I’m not asking a friend who lives next door who gives me what I am asking for just to shut me up. Nor am I asking my earthly parents to lean in. I’m asking my Heavenly Father Who loves me more than my parents, Who wants to take care of me more than my earthly friends! I’m asking Him in Your Name, love upon love, to satisfy the desire. And what is the promise? Not necessarily the prayer to be answered the way I want. But that I would be given the Holy Spirit! And when He is poured into my life I am fully satisfied.
So today, I come before You boldly laying all my needs, wants and desires before You. I cast all my cares on You, knowing that You care for me. All of them. And in glorious anticipation I wait with abated breath for Your answer, but more importantly Your Holy Spirit. Fill me with His presence and peace. Remind me that You see me, knowing what I want even before I ask, and know best what I need. And help me to find my rest in Him to Your glory. Amen.