Today’s scripture: Luke 11:5-13 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Cheryl Stonestreet):
The story about the friend at the guy’s door in the middle of the night reminds me of my dog, Rebel. I’ll be nestled with a book or seated at my computer or even doing chores around the house and Rebel will persistently nudge me or lay her head in my lap. She wants something. She has food, she has water, she’s just come in from the backyard, but she obviously wants something. Now this can be very annoying because what ever it is that I am doing, is of course, very important. I pet her head hoping a moment of attention is apt, and this seems to work, but only briefly. Then she is nudging me again. “What?” I ask her. And her muzzling becomes even more fervent.
She needs to go for a walk. It’s cold out. I’m tired. It’s about to get dark. I have a battery of excuses. She doesn’t care. She needs to go for a walk. I give in. Why do I give in? I give in because I love her.
I think this is what Jesus is trying to tell us about how God feels about us. Our timing might be bad, or we might get on God’s nerves from time to time, but God gives us what we need — because God loves us. So don’t forget to ask Abba when you need something.
Prayer for the day: Abba, thank you for answering my prayers, especially my persistent ones. Please do not let me forget that sometimes your answers are: yes, no, and not yet.
Beginning next Monday, December 3, we will present a four-week series that focuses on the themes of Advent, the Christian season of preparation for Christmas. We’ll look at Advent themes that echo and develop the lessons from the sermon from the previous Sunday. You’re welcome to watch the sermons for the full experience. Have a blessed Advent, and Merry Christmas!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.