Pause

Sometimes, even when we are very well in touch with our needs and wants, it's hard to know how to ask, or even what to ask, to get what we are looking for.

Maybe a good first request is for help in putting our questions into words, our feelings into verbal expression.

Reach out now to God and ask. Just ask, then see where the asking leads you.

Listen

And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.' And he answers from within, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs."

Luke 11:5-8

Think

Imagine a friend knocking on your door just as you’ve entered the REM cycle of sleep. She needs bread…at midnight? Cousins from Wyoming have arrived unannounced at her house and she’s completely out. You’re probably thinking “HELLO! Go to the nearest Piggly Wiggly and knock yourself out! Can’t you let me sleep?”

Late night Taco Bell runs are okay, but what about late night bread requests? What is Jesus trying to tell us? This doesn’t seem reasonable. Come to think of it, a lot of things Jesus says and does don’t seem reasonable.

But that’s the thing about Jesus, friends. Following him isn’t always reasonable. Today’s story seems wacky until we realize it’s within the context of Jesus’ prayer: “Give us each day our daily bread.” Sometimes neighbors don’t have the bread they need. And when we have more than enough we shouldn’t be surprised when folks come knocking. Instead of seeing an “unreasonable” request as a bother, see it as a blessing to share bread with another.

Katie McKown

Pray

God, help me to share bread with friends, even when I am inconvenienced. Amen.

Go

Go ahead and ask.
Just ask,
Then see where the asking takes you.

You may learn the answers are
Just what you hope for.

You may just as likely find your way
To even more questions.

In either case, keep asking.
Just ask,
Then see where the asking takes you.