Remember the disciple asked Jesus to "teach us to pray?" In these verses, Jesus continues to teach His disciples (and us) how to pray.

How should we pray? The answer is in the 3 words of our title: ask, seek, knock. These 3 words are verbs. Prayer is action!

“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, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 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’? 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. 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. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 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!”” Luke 11:5-13

Jesus uses the word "impudence" to describe the going to the "friend's" house at midnight to ask for bread. In those days it was unthinkable for a host to have nothing to give. But to ask at midnight? Then to keep asking till the friend gets up just to make you go away? Audacious is another word that fits…can we be be audacious in prayer? I think the answer is yes.

Impudence means a lack of sensitivity to what is proper. Going at midnight to ask a favor-that's improper! But apply the illustration Jesus uses to prayer. God hears our prayers even when we come to Him with impudence. Even when we are audacious. Suddenly prayer becomes a wonderful gift from God. When we pray-Jesus reminds us of these things:

1. We are friends of God!

2. We can go to God in prayer at ANY time-even midnight.

3. In prayer we can be impudent...shameless, and bold...lacking respect or modesty...and God still hears our prayers. (Remember God is more gracious and caring than any human friend.) This is such a comfort!

4. So pray! Ask, Seek, Knock...persist. We can even ask God for the wrong things...He knows how to correct our asking.

I'll say it again...pray. Talk with God-ANY time day or night. Don't worry about praying in the PROPER way, or that we'll say the wrong thing...keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking on heaven's door. God knows before you ask. He sees you as you decide to pray. He knows how to turn our impudence to an answer that blesses us! Don't live solo. Bring everything in life to Him in prayer. Jesus reminds us-No life detail is too small for God.

Keep praying…it is how Jesus teaches us to pray…want to learn how to pray? Keep praying.

God waits for the sound of our knock.