Notice today’s verse, in what may have been a humorous event from Jesus’ own childhood, the Master describes the response from within the house. No doubt he thought that it is better for one person to go hungry than a whole household to be awakened.

We have learned in principle #1 that we are to pray consistently; in principle #2 we are to pray with character. Today, I introduce principle #3: we are to pray confidently.

In our story, the friend at the door will not leave. He keeps banging on the door. Not only one household is being disturbed but also the other neighbors are waking up too! Jesus says that finally “the master of the house will rise and give him as many [loaves] as he needeth.”

He does so not because he is his friend, but because of his persistence or importunity. From this principle in Luke 11, I say, we must pray confidently for the salvation of others.

The word for importunity literally means “without shame” and is used only here in the whole Greek NT. Importunity also translates to “confidently” or “boldness.” The friend at the door was not bashful or easily discouraged but confident!

Yes, we are to confidently call on the Lord for the salvation of others. However, we do not do this because God is like a grumbling friend who has to be raised from His slumber to give us what we need. No, God desires to give us what we ask!