Luke 11:1-13
11: Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread, 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”
5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Reflection
This passage contains shorter versions of several of the teachings found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). These verses instruct us in how to pray, providing both a model prayer (Luke 11:2–4) and the reason we should be confident when we pray (vv. 5–13). The entire passage encourages us to have a simple trust in God as our loving Father, knowing that if we ask and seek and knock he will provide for us according to his generous and Fatherly good nature.
Philippians 4:10-20
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Reflection
As Paul nears his conclusion, he returns to the theme of rejoicing in the midst of difficulty (Phil. 4:10). Even though he delights to see that the Philippians have a revived concern for him (v. 10), his strength is found elsewhere. Paul’s stability is not dependent upon their support (v. 11). He has learned the secret of facing both plenty and hunger by finding contentment in Christ (vv. 12–13).
Our contentment as Christians, likewise, rests in Jesus. Paul teaches us to look beyond our circumstances, whether we have much or little, and rejoice in Christ. In him, we have all we could ever need or desire.
Psalm 40:16
16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
If we are not content in Christ we will easily become unstable in times of plenty or in times of need. Ask God to fill you with a steady joy in him so that your heart and faith will be stable regardless of your financial situation.