Jesus instructs the disciples how to pray1On one occasion, when Jesus had been praying, one of His disciples said to Him: "Lord, please teach us how to pray, in the same way that John instructed his disciples." Jesus told them: "You can pray like this:2"'Father in heaven, we worship Your holy name. May Your Kingdom come. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.3Give us whatever we need day by day.4Forgive all our sins, as we forgive all those who sin against us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'"5-6He then added: "Imagine that one of your friends goes to someone in the middle of the night and says, 'Friend, please lend me three loaves of bread; one of my friends has just arrived after a long journey and I have nothing to give him.'7"But he received the reply, 'Don't trouble me now! I have already locked the door for the night and my family and I are all in bed. I cannot disturb everyone and give you anything.'8I tell you clearly, though the man will not get up and give him the bread on the basis of their friendship, yet because of the man's bold persistence he will stir himself and will give him whatever he needs.9"So I tell you: continue to ask and it will be given you; go on seeking and you will find; keep knocking and the door will be opened to you.10For everyone who asks in this way receives; he who is determined when he seeks finds; and to him who persistently knocks the door will be opened.11"Listen, you fathers: if your son asked you for bread, would you give him a stone, or if he asked for a fish would you give him a snake instead?12Or if he asked you for an egg, would you give him a scorpion?13If you, who are far from perfect, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven, who is perfect, give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from THE TRUTH VERSION. Copyright © 2009 by Colin Urquhart. All rights reserved worldwide. (The Truth New Testament)