I. Scripture Reading — Luke 11:9–13 (RSV-CE)
And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him 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!II. Meditation — The Child Who Would Not Stop Knocking
A little boy once stood outside his father’s bedroom early in the morning. He knocked softly. No answer. He knocked again. Still nothing.
So he knocked louder.
When his father finally opened the door, half asleep, he asked, “Why didn’t you stop knocking?”
The boy replied, “Because I knew you were inside.”
Jesus teaches us to pray like that child.
Not timid.
Not doubtful.
Not discouraged.But confident that our Father is listening.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses three simple words: Ask. Seek. Knock.
They are not passive words.
They are persistent words.They describe a relationship — not a ritual.
Prayer is not about perfect phrases.
It is about trusting presence.Every knock says: “I believe You care.”
Every prayer says: “I depend on You.”
Every request says: “I trust Your love.”Lent is a school of prayer — where we learn to keep knocking.
III. Reflection — Growing in Confidence with God
Many people struggle with prayer.
They think:
“I don’t know what to say.”
“I’m not holy enough.”
“God is too busy.”
“My prayers don’t work.”But Jesus says:
“Ask.”Not: Prove yourself first.
Not: Wait until you’re perfect.
Not: Come back later.Ask.
Prayer is not convincing God to love us.
It is opening ourselves to His love.Notice the promise:
“Everyone who asks receives.”This does not mean God gives us everything we want.
It means He gives us everything we need.Sometimes He says:
“Yes.”
Sometimes: “Not yet.”
Sometimes: “I have something better.”But He always answers with love.
When we stop praying, we stop trusting.
A praying heart stays close to God.
A silent heart drifts away.This Lent, God invites you to deepen your prayer life — not out of obligation, but out of relationship.
IV. Prayer — A Prayer for a Faithful Prayer Life
Heavenly Father,
You invite me to come to You.
You tell me to ask.
You encourage me to seek.
You welcome me to knock.Yet too often, I neglect prayer.
I rely on myself.
I rush through my day.
I forget to turn to You.Forgive me, Lord.
Teach me to pray with trust.
Teach me to pray with perseverance.
Teach me to pray with humility.When I feel dry, help me continue.
When I feel discouraged, strengthen me.
When I feel distracted, bring me back.Let my prayer not be empty words,
but living conversation.I place before You my needs,
my family,
my struggles,
my fears,
my hopes,
my future.Give me, above all, Your Holy Spirit —
to guide me,
to strengthen me,
to transform me.Make prayer the foundation of my life.
I knock, Lord.
Open my heart.
Open my life.
Open my soul to You.Amen.
V. Action for Today
Set a fixed prayer time today (at least 15 minutes).
Pray slowly and intentionally.
Write down one intention and pray for it daily.
End your day with a short prayer of gratitude.
Ask yourself tonight:
Did I speak to God today as a child speaks to a loving Father?
