Pray and Pray (Read Luke 11:5-13)

"That was Arnie again," Bill complained as he hung up
the phone. "I wish he'd quit calling to ask if I'll come help him
with his model airplane. I'm not interested! I don't like model
planes."

The following day Arnie called again-and the day
after that, and the day after that. Finally Bill agreed to
help. "If nothing else, we'll get the plane done so Arnie
won't keep after me anymore." Bill told his mother.

Mom nodded, and Bill headed out the door.

"Well, persistence scored again," observed Mother when
Bill returned home. "Just like the man in the Bible."

Bill frowned. "What are you talking about?" he asked.

Mother laughed. "Jesus told about a man who helped his friend
because he was so persistent," she explained. "That reminds me of
Arnie. He kept calling and calling until you finally agreed to help
him." She paused and looked at her son. "Christians shouldn't give
up when they pray about things, either," she told him. "We should
keep asking-keep praying in God's will, and he'll answer our
persistent prayers of faith."

"I gave in even though I didn't really want to," said Bill thought-
fully. "What if I'd keep begging for something God doesn't want?
Would he give in, like I gave in to Arnie?"

"No," replied Mother, "but if you're persistent in prayer, God will
answer by showing you a better way."

Just then the phone rang. It was Arnie again. "It was fun
making the airplane today," said Arnie, Bill cringed-he was afraid
Arnie might have another model ready to build. "I just wanted to
say thanks for your help, Bill," added Arnie.

As Bill  hung up the receiver, he felt good, It was nice of Arnie to
call and say thanks, he thought. Then he thought of one more
thing-it's important to say thanks when God answers too. N.E.K.

How about you? - Do you pray and pray and pray? Or do you
give up when you don't get instant answers? Be persistent. God
will answer in his special time and perfect way when you remain
faithful in your prayers. And then be sure to tell him thank you.

Key:  Be Persistent in Prayer

Memorize: "Ask, and it will be given to you; see, and you will find;
knock, and it will be opened to you"
                                                       Luke 11:9

This is out of the book "The One Year Book of Devotions for Kids"  BUY IT  Copyright @ 1993 Children's Bible Hour

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Added 10/4/02

Last Updated 09/27/2003