Having told them what to pray, Jesus now tells how prayer works, correcting misconceptions we have about God and our relationship with Him. If we are honest we think that God is reluctant to answer prayer, reluctant to grant our requests. So Jesus gives a parable of a man going to a friend at midnight. The one inside is indeed initially reluctant, but because of the persistence and audacity of the man he eventually grants the request. Indeed it is not the friendship that makes the man give. So if we will grant a request for these reasons how much more will God give to His children?
So Jesus urges us to ask, seek and knock. God is generous and He delights to give.
So having given an example based on pure persistence, Jesus now gives an illustration based on relationship. We often think that God has got it in for us. Yet we , "who are evil", know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will the Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask? Note the casual reference to us being evil!
This is not a get what you want sanction, but is a guarantee of growth in the Holy Spirit for those who seek God. If we want to grow in Christ today, if we are facing battles in following Him, if we are seeking the way ahead, we can pray with boldness and absolute confidence that our Father hears us and will answer abundantly.
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