Trinity 8 29 July 2007

Based on Luke 11:1-13 (Friend at Midnight)

Engagement, not escape

We are looking after a friend's dog whilst they are abroad on holiday. It has reminded us that dogs have a way of communicating that doesn't need words. Our own dog that we had for 15 years died shortly before we moved to Bradford - no connection! She was an under-grown black and tan terrier. When she deemed it high time we took her for a walk she told us, running around looking excited, going to where we kept her lead and looking pleadingly at us. There was no rest until we gave in and took her. Her persistence paid off.

What about ours in prayer?

Luke is the only writer to give us this story and his details make the story fascinating. It was the friend's persistence - not his friendship - that got results. Actually, the word used in Greek is stronger than persistence - 'because of his shameless audacity he will get up and give him what he wants.' We might say today 'because of his bare-faced cheek.' It is strong language! The sort that could be used of Abraham. How audacious to push the Creator of the universe to agree NOT to carry out his plan to wipe out the two sinful cities if a few righteous people were in it. He bravely, and cheekily, gets bolder and bolder, moving from 50 righteous human shields down to 10. And God agrees! Of course there are all sorts of questions here about God's sovereignty and mans' sinfulness, but let's receive the message these passages give us.

Prayer IS audacious. It is a cheek to ask the Almighty for anything. But Jesus is saying that He is NOT like the reluctant friend tucked up in bed with his children. There is a good father and maybe a good friend. But HOW MUCH MORE will God, as our heavenly Father respond to our persistent petitioning. Jesus is saying that if we are serious about what we are asking then we will be taken seriously. We will ask and we will receive, we will search and will find, we will knock and the door will open. Why? Because God is like a deeply compassionate father who loves His children and loves to give to them. And what is it He gives?

The last line tells us: 'How much more will the heavenly father give the HS to those who ask him.' What does that mean? It means God will give what He can give and is within His will and purpose to give. Should we be specific? Should we ask for healing? Of course. Abraham was given mercy & reprieve for a whole city; the friend received food for weary travellers. When we pray for others it IS worth it.

When I went through the most difficult and testing few months of my life I knew others were praying. So that in the bitterness of the circumstances there was the sweetness of God's presence made real by the Holy Spirit. God can only give good gifts. But he can give those and loves to give good gifts. We are being given permission here to be shamelessly audacious.

So like a persistent puppy let us tug at our Master's sleeve. Then, as we walk out together, we find that both enjoy the fruits of that persistence and that prayer IS rewarded. Amen.