Thursday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

A friend wakes his neighbor at midnight for bread, and Jesus says the very persistence of the request is what moves the neighbor to answer. Ask, seek, knock: the Father who gives good gifts to his children is more generous than any earthly parent could be.

Paul asks the foolish Galatians who has bewitched them, reminding them that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified before their very eyes, and asks whether they received the Spirit from works of the law or from faith. The Canticle of Zechariah praises God for raising up salvation, that his people might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness, all their days. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of a man who wakes his neighbor at midnight to borrow bread for an unexpected guest, and though the neighbor is unwilling, his persistence gets him what he needs; Jesus then tells the disciples to ask, seek, and knock, promising that the Father in heaven gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask him, just as an earthly father, for all his imperfection, knows how to give good gifts to his children.

Lord Jesus, you were portrayed before our eyes as crucified for us: Lord, have mercy. Christ Jesus, you invite us to ask, seek, and knock without shame: Christ, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you give the Holy Spirit to all who ask: Lord, have mercy.

Introduction: Father, you know how to give good gifts to your children. Hear us as we ask, seek, and knock this day:

1. For the Church, that she would ask boldly and trust the Father's generosity; Let us pray to the Lord.
2. For civic leaders, that they would give good gifts to those they serve rather than withhold what is needed; Let us pray to the Lord.
3. For anyone too proud or too afraid to ask for help they truly need, that they would find the courage to ask; Let us pray to the Lord.
4. For families facing an unexpected need this week, that a neighbor would answer even at an inconvenient hour; Let us pray to the Lord.
5. For all who feel they have knocked and received no answer, that they would not lose heart; Let us pray to the Lord.
6. For all who have died, especially [name], that the Father who gives good gifts would welcome them into his kingdom; Let us pray to the Lord.

Concluding prayer: Father, you give the Holy Spirit to all who ask you. Receive the prayers of your people, answer us in our persistence, and teach us to trust your generosity even when the answer is delayed. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.