Lesson 8: Prayer 93
those in need—a prayer grounded in corporate relationships. After all,
as individuals pray and discover they have additional food while another
does not; perhaps they will recognize that they are the answer to the
prayer they have just prayed.
This model prayer began with submission in a vertical relationship
with God, and was then extended through horizontal relationships with
others and our submission to pray and labor with a conscientious corpo-
rate responsibility. This is perhaps most clearly expressed in the call for
Christians to continue engaging in efforts to eradicate hunger.
A Habit of Prayer is Bold, Leads to Good Gifts, and
is Rooted in the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:5–13)
11:5 – 8. Jesus’ annunciation of a model prayer involving vertical and
horizontal submission is complemented by two quick parables. Notice
verses 5–6 parallel verse 13 creating a unit bracketed by the theme of
giving. At the center of the unit is a ref lection on honor. The deliberative
link is once again an illustration of corporate responsibility in the area
of food provision.
The dictates of first century culture assured a petitioner that his
friend would answer in the affirmative. Similarly, the disciple who
approaches God with humility and bold specificity can anticipate a
comparable response. Notice the petitioner asked not only for himself,
but also for his guest. This perhaps prefigures the doctrine of the priest-
hood of the believer.
The expectation is that a disciple will live in a manner that wel-
comes unexpected sojourners who bring unforeseen, “midnight” needs
that cannot be met solely by personal resources. Thus the petitioner
approaches God, who desires to extend the hospitality of faith, and offers
resources not only for the benefit of the petitioner but also through the
petitioner for the sustenance and growth of others. Prayer, Jesus implied,
can be both humble and bold, and allows the petitioner to receive God’s
gracious gifts. These gifts are not only for personal benefit, but to also
aid in the process of disciple-making where followers stand alongside
others in their faith journeys.