Thematic Bible: Devotions of


Thematic Bible







One day Jesus had been praying in a certain place, and as soon as he had done, one of his disciples said to him, instruct us about prayer, as John the baptist instructed his disciples. he said therefore to them, when ye pray, say, "our father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. thy kingdom come. thy will be done, on earth, as in heaven. give us every day our portion of bread. read more.
and forgive us our sins: since we forgive every one that has offended us. and leave us not under temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Then he said to them, suppose any of you should go to his friend at midnight; and say to him, friend, lend me three loaves: for a friend of mine, a traveller, is come to my house, and I have nothing to entertain him with. and he within should give this answer, don't trouble me now: the door is made fast, and my family are all in bed: I can't get up to supply you. I tell you, tho' he will not rise, to supply him, out of friendship: yet out of regard to his importunity, he will rise, and lend him whatever he has occasion for. I tell you likewise, ask, and it shall be given: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and the door shall be opened. for every one that asketh, receives: he that seeketh, finds: and he that knocks has admittance. what father among you would give his son a stone, when he asketh for bread? or if for a fish, instead of a fish would he give him a serpent? or instead of an egg will he offer him a scorpion? if ye then, wicked as ye are, know how to give what is proper to your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to them that ask him?

Jesus propos'd likewise this parable to them, to show that they should persevere in prayer, and not be discouraged. saying, in a certain city there was a judge, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. a widow was likewise there, who frequently came to him, saying, do me justice against my adversary. read more.
for some time he refus'd to do it: but at length he said in himself; tho' I neither fear God, nor regard man; yet, because this widow importunes me, I will do her justice, that she may'nt be continually coming to teaze me. observe, said Jesus, that language of this unrighteous judge. and will not God avenge his own elect, who cry to him night and day? will he delay their cause? I tell you, he will speedily avenge them. however, when the son of man comes, how few of the faithful will he find in the land?