Jesus’ teaching in these three verses is among the best that illustrates prayer is a religious word that means personal communication with God, my Father. The communication is similar to that of a father with a child. It is not business communication. It is not a drama or a play. It is not a political or legal exchange. Prayer is an exchange between parent and child, creator with creation, exulted with blessed. Prayer is personable, emotional, honest, logical, and open communion.
Jesus is conveying to his disciples to have prayer boldness, persistence, and assurance that God answers his children. Jesus’ teaching is that if a loving human father who has flaws and sins (evil from God’s perspective) gives good gifts when asked, then how much more will my Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
The Lord’s prayer in verses 2 through 4 does not include asking for the Holy Spirit. Yet, here Jesus is saying God will give the Holy Spirit if I ask. The Holy Spirit is the highest gift that God the Father can give. As fish and eggs sustain physical life, so the Holy Spirit sustains spiritual life in a very personal, loving, and powerful way. Ask and you will receive. Be persistent and wait for the Lord to supply. The disciples would not receive the Holy Spirit until Pentecost, four to six months from this moment.
