What Jesus Did! 'One of the Greatest Answers to Prayer' — Luke 11:11-13

Thursday, July 20, 2023

[Continuing his teaching on prayer, Jesus said,] "You fathers — if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him."
— Luke 11:11-13 NLT

Key Thought

What's one of the greatest answers to our prayers? The gift of God's cleansing, justifying, sanctifying, saving, empowering, and indwelling Holy Spirit! If imperfect human fathers know how to give good gifts, don't you think the Father in heaven will give us and empower us with his Holy Spirit? So let's ask, expect, and receive this incomparable gift.

Today's Prayer

Father, I know that when you saved me, you cleansed me by your Holy Spirit and that you came to live in me and make my body your temple through your Holy Spirit. Now I ask that I may be more aware of the Spirit's presence and power in me, not just to sense your presence but so that I can be like Christ in every way. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
  • Romans 8:12-14, 26-27
  • Acts 4:31

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 11:11-13 NLT — "You fathers — if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead?"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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