Prayer, at its root, is talking to God. But when we really need something to change, it becomes an appeal, a petition, a request, a plea and an entreaty.
In what situation might you shamelessly persist to ask God for something? Would it need to be something that other people would think is a high priority? Do you think it would have to be for someone else, not for yourself? Would you only pray like this for a family member? What might hold you back from the audacity Jesus asks of us for ourselves? What is your whatever right now (big or small) that you are fasting for? Oh, Jesus has a parable for that!
Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You tell him that a friend has arrived for a visit and you have no food to offer him. Your friend answers from his bedroom window and says, “Don’t bother me, the door is locked for the night. My family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.” Even though he will not get up and give you bread because he is your friend, because of your shameless persistence in knocking, he will get up and give you whatever you need. So I say to you: keep on asking, and it will be given to you, keep on seeking and you will find, keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, everyone who seeks finds and to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Which one of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are sinful, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Luke 11: 5-13
I’m not one for getting on my knees, but I have done that sometimes. Since I live alone, I could be anywhere in my house, but I’m usually sitting at my office desk or at the end of my dining room table. I always have a journal, a book and my phone (with my Bible app open) in front of me. I am much more expressive when I write out my prayers and although my heart and mind are engaged with Him, if I have a specific ask, it gets written down. Before my husband passed, he encouraged me to be a blessing for someone else, and not wait too long. So, after my grieving period, I have prayed through Scriptures about love every day for God’s Spiritual Soul Mate (SSM) to partner with in life and the life of His kingdom. But I didn’t start out praying this way … when the author Lysa TerKeurst said she wanted to pray about something more often than she talked about it, that resonated with me. Wala! I will be shamelessly persistent and obedient! This period of fasting is helping me to focus on this part of my future (and my present). I know God will answer in His perfect time! And I know that God will be clear about what I need and I will be more clear about what I really want to ask for. If I ask for an SSM, He will not give me an EXM ( Evil X Man)!
Make this part of your fast! Paint a picture in your mind about where and how you might consistently pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and ask God for something you need. Or write about it in your journal. But above all, keep on asking, keep on seeking Him for His answers and action, and keep on knocking. Knock with some force. Be full of the power of the Spirit. Make some noise. Express your true emotions. Sing or pray out loud. Ask your friends to knock with you. He will open the door!
Dearest Jesus, nothing is impossible with You. You have whatever I need, and You will not withhold it from me or my friends. I will be shamelessly persistent. Amen.
happy hunger 
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