Teach Us to Pray

Principles of Prayer

Luke 11 is rich with wisdom, containing 54 verses packed with important lessons, including:

The Model Prayer
A Friend Comes at Midnight
Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking
A House Divided Cannot Stand
An Unclean Spirit Returns
Keeping the Word
Seeking a Sign
The Lamp of the Body
Woe to the Pharisees and Lawyers

Encouraging Verse: Luke 11:13

AMPC: “If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!”

The Context

This chapter includes one of the most well-known passages in the Bible: ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. It begins with a disciple asking Jesus to teach them how to pray, just as John taught his disciples. Jesus responded with the words we know so well: “Our Father in heaven…”.

Following the prayer, Jesus taught key principles about prayer:

Persistence: Through the parable of the friend who persistently knocks at midnight for bread.
ASK (Ask, Seek, Knock):
- Ask – and it will be given.
- Seek – and you will find.
- Knock – and it will be opened.
God’s Heart as a Father: Jesus emphasized that God, as a loving Father, surpasses even the best earthly parents in His care and generosity.

It is within this context that Luke 11:13 shines—a promise of the Holy Spirit to those who ask.

My Thoughts

This is such a powerful promise from God! Jesus begins by grounding His message in a relatable scenario: parenting. Whether you are a parent, a child, or both, you understand the joy of giving or receiving gifts. As a mother, I’ve experienced plenty of requests from my sons—some met with “yes,” others with “no” or “we’ll see.”

Jesus calls us “evil” in this passage, which may feel harsh at first. But the Greek word “ponēros” means “wicked,” “bad,” or “evil” in character or morality. In contrast to God’s perfect holiness, even the kindest, most loving human falls short. Isaiah 64:6 reminds us that our righteousness is as filthy rags, highlighting our need for Christ’s imputed righteousness through His finished work on the cross.

Yet despite our flaws, we love to give good gifts. How much more does God, our holy and perfect Father, delight in giving us the ultimate gift: the Holy Spirit!

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit isn’t just a gift—He’s the gift. Jesus promised this in John 14:16-17 (NIV):
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for He lives with you and will be in you.”

The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, Standby, and Spirit of Truth. In today’s world of misinformation and deception, who couldn’t use more truth?

Sadly, some Christians have little awareness of the Holy Spirit’s role or regard Him as lesser. This reminds me of Acts 19:1-7, where Paul encountered disciples who had never even heard of the Holy Spirit:

“While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ They answered, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ So Paul asked, ‘Then what baptism did you receive?’ ‘John’s baptism,’ they replied. Paul said, ‘John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”

This passage is sobering. Many believers today might fall into a similar category—not having received the Holy Spirit or understanding His role in their lives. My prayer is for those who have “not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit” or those who’ve neglected fellowship with Him. I cannot imagine going a single day without the Holy Spirit! He empowers, comforts, and leads us in truth and righteousness.

Practical Application

Recognize Our Need for Grace: Without the shed blood of Jesus, we fall short of God’s holy standard. Stay in a place of repentance and gratitude for His imputed righteousness.
Embrace God as Abba: Romans 8:15 declares,
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”
The Greek word Abba translates as “father” but carries a tender, intimate meaning akin to “Daddy” or “Papa.” It reflects a close, personal relationship with God, not just as a sovereign deity but as a loving parent.
Come Boldly and ASK: Hebrews 4:16 assures us:
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
God invites us to approach Him boldly, to ask for His guidance, provision, and the fullness of His Spirit.
Pursue the Holy Spirit: If you’ve not experienced the fullness of the Holy Spirit, or if your relationship with Him has grown distant, I encourage you to seek Him with all your heart. Ask God for a fresh infilling. Connect with Spirit-filled mentors or leaders who can guide you.

Your Turn 😊

What are your thoughts on Luke 11:13?
How can you apply this passage to your life?
Do you have a favorite verse or takeaway from this chapter?

Please share your insights—I’d love to hear from you!

Until tomorrow,
Peace & Love, Coach D