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
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
Practical, biblical guidance on disciplines like prayer, Bible intake, worship, and fasting to grow in godliness.
View on Amazon
The Cross of Christ
A profound exploration of the meaning and power of the cross at the center of Christian faith and life.
View on Amazon
Faith Alone
Defends justification by faith alone as the heart of the biblical gospel and Reformation.
View on Amazon
Basic Christianity
A timeless introduction to who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him according to Scripture.
View on Amazon
Knowing Scripture
Teaches how to interpret the Bible rightly, emphasizing its clarity and our responsibility to study it.
View on Amazon
Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands
Biblical counseling and discipleship that helps believers speak God's truth into one another's lives.
View on Amazon
Respectable Sins
Exposes the "ordinary" sins Christians often tolerate and calls us to gospel-driven holiness.
View on Amazon
Future Grace
Argues that faith in God's future grace frees believers from the enslaving power of sin.
View on Amazon
Don't Waste Your Life
A passionate plea to live for Christ's glory rather than trivial pursuits.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Leadership
Biblical principles for godly leadership in the church, home, and workplace.
View on Amazon
Spurgeon on the Christian Life
A portrait of Charles Spurgeon's Christ-centered theology and joyful piety.
View on Amazon
Expository Listening
Teaches Christians how to listen to expository preaching in a way that bears fruit.
View on Amazon
Preaching and Preachers
Classic lectures on the nature and power of biblical preaching.
View on Amazon
The Christian Life
A clear, doctrinally rich overview of salvation and Christian living.
View on Amazon
Operation World
A prayer handbook with up-to-date information on nations and their gospel needs.
View on Amazon
Family Worship
A short, practical guide to leading your home in daily worship of God.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon