At that time,
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Imagine that one of you has a friend
and go find him in the middle of the night to ask him:
“My friend, lend me three loaves,
because one of my friends arrived at my house from a trip,
and I have nothing to offer him.”
And if, from within, the other answers him:
“Don’t bother me!”
The door is already closed;
My children and I went to bed.
I can't get up to give you anything."
Well, I tell you:
even if he does not get up to give out of friendship,
he will rise up because of the shamelessness of this friend,
and he will give him everything he needs.
I tell you:
Ask, and it will be given to you;
seek, you will find;
knock, the door will open.
For everyone who asks receives;
he who seeks finds;
to whomever knocks, it will be opened.
Which father among you, when his son asks him for a fish,
will give him a snake instead of a fish?
or give him a scorpion
when he asks for an egg?
If you, then, who are bad,
you know how to give good things to your children,
how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit
to those who ask him!”
Lord Father full of goodness,
You invite us to knock, to ask, and to seek. Give us a bold heart to dare to speak to you like children before the Father, without shame or fear turned towards you. When our doors seem closed at night, teach us the persevering trust that still knocks, convinced that you always respond according to your love.
Grant us the Holy Spirit: may he enlighten our choices, strengthen our faith, and renew our hope. May your presence dispel our fears, heal our doubts, and ignite our charity. Make us instruments of your gift: capable of listening to the needs of others, of sharing bread and hospitality, of giving without counting the cost as you give to your own.
Father, when we are tired or discouraged, remind us of your patience and tenderness. May our prayers not be mere words, but acts of trust that transform our lives and those we encounter. Teach us the perseverance to ask for what is good, the clarity to discern what saves, and the humility to receive what comes from you.
Mary, Mother of trust, accompany our supplications and lead us to your Son.
We entrust to you especially (name here a personal or community intention). Respond according to your wisdom and love.
Through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.
