Luke 11:1-13

1 One day he was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said, "Master, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."

2 So he said, "When you pray, say, Father, Reveal who you are. Set the world right.

3 Keep us alive with three square meals.

4 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil."

5 Then he said, "Imagine what would happen if you went to a friend in the middle of the night and said, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread.

6 An old friend traveling through just showed up, and I don't have a thing on hand.'

7 "The friend answers from his bed, 'Don't bother me. The door's locked; my children are all down for the night; I can't get up to give you anything.'

8 "But let me tell you, even if he won't get up because he's a friend, if you stand your ground, knocking and waking all the neighbors, he'll finally get up and get you whatever you need.

9 "Here's what I'm saying: Ask and you'll get; Seek and you'll find; Knock and the door will open.

10 "Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in.

11 If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate?

12 If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider?

13 As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing - you're at least decent to your own children. And don't you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?"