Let’s Be Bold and Patient in Seeking Mari Ikeda
A. The Lord’s Prayer: The standard of our attitude (1-4, 11-13)
1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:” ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
1. God is our father (11-13)
11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
2. The center is not us, but God
3. Know our sin and neediness
B. Seek boldly and patiently
1. Be bold and patient (5-8)
5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.’ 8 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.
2. Seek until truly you are satisfied (9-10)
9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Summary
God is the father of all of us. We are allowed to call and trust God as our father and to confess him and seek whatever desires we have. He will always answer our prayers in the way that is best for us. If you desire something, don’t give up halfway, but seek it boldly until you find His answer. If you haven’t gotten His answer yet, trust Him and wait patiently. If you get the answer you did not hope for, look forward to what He will do, as He will do more than you hoped for.
For Discussion
1) What do you think about the Lord’s Prayer? Is there difference with your usual way of praying?
2) What is the most important thing you need in order to be bold and patient in seeking?