One String Brian Onken

In teaching His disciples to pray, Jesus told a parable about persistence. But what is that persistence really all about? 

Abram walked with God. But how much did he know of God's will? Can his journey help us think well about knowing God's will? 

Turning again to the "Lord's Prayer," we read His challenging words about asking for forgiveness "for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us." Does this mean we're supposed to strike a bargain with God for forgiveness? Of course not! But what does it mean? 

Sometimes our familiarity with Jesus' teaching makes it challenging to really listen to what He is saying. Let's dip into a well-known parable and practice listening well. 

Sometimes, because of what we think we know, we might misread a passage . . . even misread Jesus' instructions on prayer. 

When we read the "story" of someone's life in the pages of Scripture, sometimes we think we know better how they should have lived, what they should have done. But maybe that's not the best way to read a narrative.