In our fast-paced world and life, we hear much about man’s achievements, his triumphs and successes which have transformed the world.  We see man’s ability to create and build, to innovate and improve human life with his many inventions.  Man seems able to control his own life and future, “I am the king of my world.”

And yet problems do come, problems which can confound us, even paralyze us, physically, emotionally and even spiritually . . . when we seem unable to find solutions, despite our talents, innovations and new discoveries.  How come we cannot solve these problems by ourselves, through our own efforts?

In these difficult and trying times, perhaps in desperation, perhaps from habits formed long ago, we may think of God and ask for his help and his guidance.

In the Gospel reading from Matthew Jesus teaches us about the power of prayer, about the effectiveness of persistent prayer, about the generosity and care of the good Father to whom we pray.

Like the householder already tucked in for the night being bothered for the loan of some bread for an unexpected guest, God will listen if we bother him enough.   “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For the one who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to him who knocks the door will be opened.”  (Lk 11: 9 – 10)

If we cannot refuse our children and cannot do them harm when they ask, how can we ever doubt that our loving heavenly Father will answer us when we pray to him?