#69 Luke 11:5-10 Ask, Seek, Knock

On May 1, 2022 by Amy Burgin

Joy:
Episode #69 Luke 11:5-10

Welcome

Amy:
Welcome to The Christgazing Podcast. We are so glad you’re here. I’m Amy Burgin.

Joy:
I’m Joy Burgin

Amy:
Christgazing is the act of looking steadily and intently at Christ. This podcast is one small tool to help us do that. Each week we focus on one passage from the Bible as Joy reads it several times and creates stillness after each reading to consider who God is and what he wants us to know.

We are in a series that takes us through the book of Luke.

Pour Out Your Heart to God

Amy:
Before Joy reads today’s passage, take the next minute to pour out your heart to God, whether it’s worry about a health condition, a prodigal son or daughter, a broken heart, gratitude, or cheer. Whatever is on your mind, name it and bring it to God in these next few minutes.

[Pause and pray]

What Does This Passage Say About God?

Joy:
I’m going to read the passage two times. As I read, consider the question: What does this say about God?

Luke 11:5-10 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; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 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.’ 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.

“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. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Again?

Take the next few moments to answer the question, what does this passage tell you about God?

[Pause and know]

What Does This Passage Say About People?

Joy:
As I reread the passage, consider: What does this tell you about people?

Take the next few moments to answer the question, what does this passage tell you about people?

[Pause and know]

Lord, What Would You Have Me Know Or Do Today?

Joy:
As I read for the last time, ask God, “Lord, what would you have me know or do today in response to this passage?”

Take the next minute to ask God, “Lord, what would you have me know or do today in response to this passage?”

[Pause and listen]

Blessing

Joy: Christgazer, the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. And may you seek God today and find all you need in and through Him.

One Response

Amy:
As I meditated on this verse this week, I felt my job was to carefully name that which I ask, name that which I seek, and name that door I wish to be opened for me.

In Andrew Murray’s book With Christ in the School of Prayer, he writes, “We cannot help but feel that … He [Jesus] wants to impress this one truth deeply on our minds: we may and must most confidently expect an answer to our prayers. Everyone who asks receives. Next to the revelation of the Father’s love, there is not a more important lesson than this in the whole course of the school of prayer.”

Murray goes on to say, “A difference in meaning has been sought in the three words the Lord uses: “ask,” “seek,” and “knock.” If it was indeed His purpose for these three words to have three distinct meanings, then the first, “ask,” refers to the gifts we pray for. But we may ask and receive the gift without the Giver. “Seek” is the word Scripture uses of God Himself. Christ assures us that we can find Him. but it is not enough to find God in time of need without coming into abiding fellowship with Him. “Knock” refers to admission to dwell with Him and in Him. Asking and receiving the gift would thus lead to seeking and finding the Giver, and from there to the knocking on and opening of the door to the Father’s home and love. One thing is for sure: the Lord wants us to believe most certainly that asking, seeking, and knocking cannot be in vain. Receiving an answer, finding God, and the opening of His heart and home are the certain fruits of prayer.”

Closing

Amy:
You can find a link to Murray’s book in the transcript of this episode at amyburgin.com. Joy and I will be back again next week to go Christgazing together. Until then, don’t forget, when you put your trust in Christ, you are one in whom he dwells and delights, a dearly loved child of God. You are royalty in his strong and unshakeable kingdom. Though trouble abounds, Christ prevails, and so do you.