This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Luke 11:1-4, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once, Jesus was praying in a special place, and when He finished, one of His disciples said, “Jesus, can you teach us how to pray like John taught his disciples?”
So Jesus said, “Sure, when you pray, you can say: ‘Father, your name is holy. Let your kingdom come. Give us our food for today. Forgive us when we do wrong, for we forgive people who do wrong to us. And don’t let us be tempted.'”
Then Jesus said, “Let me tell you a story. If you went to a friend’s house at midnight and asked for some bread because someone else came to visit you, do you think your friend would give you some? Even if he didn’t want to get up, he would still give you some because you asked.
And I’m telling you, if you ask for something, you will get it. If you look for something, you will find it. And if you knock on a door, it will be opened for you. Everyone who asks for something will get it, and everyone who looks for something will find it.
And if you’re a dad and your son asks for a fish, you wouldn’t give him a snake instead, would you? Or if he asks for an egg, you wouldn’t give him a scorpion, right? You guys are pretty good dads, but God is the best Dad ever.
If even though you’re not perfect, you still know how to give good presents to your children, how much more will God, our heavenly Father, give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!
Biblical Lessons
- Jesus taught us how to pray, which means we can talk to God anytime we want.
- God loves us and wants to give us good things, especially His Holy Spirit.
- If we ask for something, we will get it. If we look for something, we will find it. If we knock on a door, it will be opened for us.
- We should forgive people who do wrong to us, just like God forgives us when we do wrong.
Related Stories
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
Must-Read Christian Books
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
The Pilgrim's Progress
A classic allegory of the Christian journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, saturated with Scripture.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A comprehensive, evangelical overview of Christian doctrine with Scripture at every point.
View on Amazon
Pilgrim Theology
An accessible summary of Reformed theology that connects doctrine to the Christian life.
View on Amazon
Finally Alive
A biblical exploration of the new birth and why regeneration is at the heart of the Christian life.
View on Amazon
Living the Cross-Centered Life
A call to keep Christ's cross at the center of our thinking, worship, and daily living.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
A Body of Divinity
A warm, devotional exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism's doctrines.
View on Amazon
The Westminster Confession of Faith
A historic confession that systematically sets forth Reformed theology from Scripture.
View on Amazon
Preaching and Preachers
Classic lectures on the nature and power of biblical preaching.
View on Amazon
Worship Matters
Helps worship leaders and churches keep the gospel central in congregational worship.
View on Amazon
The Hospitality Commands
Shows from Scripture how vital hospitality is to Christian obedience and fellowship.
View on Amazon
Total Truth
Equips believers to see all of life through a biblical worldview and challenge secular thinking.
View on Amazon
The Universe Next Door
Surveys competing worldviews and contrasts them with the Christian view of reality.
View on Amazon
God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment
Argues that God's glory in salvation through judgment is the central theme of Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Glory of Christ
Calls believers to behold the glory of Christ as the great means of transformation.
View on Amazon
Idols of the Heart
Helps believers identify and repent of heart-idols through the lens of Scripture.
View on Amazon