Persistence – Reflection on Luke 11:5-13
I would like to use this reading to pray for a dramatic increase in spiritual directors. It was the premise of my pastoral ministry thesis a dozen years ago. I have persevered in constantly asking God for help building the kingdom with this critical role. I am incredibly grateful and fortunate to have had spiritual directors (priests) for almost two decades. Without knowing such a faith role existed, the Holy Spirit read my heart to know I needed one. The Spirit has found and uniquely placed them into my life. They heard the knock on the door and responded. I distinctly remember when a single word from my first director triggered a wonderous spiritual waterfall. We worked hard with mutually grounded persistence to help control the flow. They have given me their time and used their gifts with me without any compensation. With their help, I learned the language of faith and spiritual gifts I did not know of. I believe I have been returning on their investment in me, even partially becoming a spiritual director myself. I am grateful that they have already been there for me, and we will continue to be there for each other. Heavenly Father, please bless others so they can receive the gift of spiritual direction as you have me. In Jesus’s name, with persistence, I knock on heaven’s door to give the Holy Spirit in the form of more spiritual directors to those who need one.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot
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Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 11:5-13 – Scripture*
Perseverance in Prayer
5 And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ 7 And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.
9 “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if the child asks for an egg, will give 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!”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 11:5-13 Reflection – Mutual Persistence.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 11 passage.
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