Matthew 7:11

If ye then, being evil.

Men, who have the natural affection of parents, even though sinful men, will not do such things. If men, belonging to. sinful race, will hear and kindly answer their children's requests,

how much more shall your Father which is in heaven?

Whoever believes that the term Father, as applied to God, is more than. figure of speech, must believe in prayer. If we are children we cannot help but pray, for it is natural for children to make requests of their parents. If God is our Father he cannot help but hear us when we pray, for this is. characteristic of. Father.

Give good things.

He will not give. stone when we ask for bread, nor husks when we ask for the bread of life. Even when we ask for things that would be evil he will refuse to give them, for he gives only what will bless them. Luke 11:13, in the parallel passage, says instead of "good things," "the Holy Spirit," as though this is heaven's greatest blessing. He who receives the Holy Spirit may expect with it all things that would really bless.