Today’s readings emphasise the importance of persevering in prayer.  At first sight this seems to run against our understanding of God as a loving Father.  Surely he knows what we need even before we put it into words?  Isn’t it enough to ask just the once and leave it in his hands? Yet this is not what Jesus teaches his disciples. He tells the parable of a neighbour in need knocking on the door until the householder gets up to give him want he wants, if not for friendship’s sake then because he is worn down by his perseverance.  In a similar way Abraham bargains with God to try to save the lives of the people of Sodom.  Willingness to persevere when our prayer seems to go unanswered is a demonstration of our faith.  We do not always know what is for the best or when the timing is right.  Sometimes God will say ‘No’, sometimes ‘Not yet’, but he will always listen and give us the blessing that he thinks we need.