Rung 1: READ
Luke 11:5-11
Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.' "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.'I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.  

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.  

"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Rung 2: MEDITATE
Use your imagination to enter the scene. It’s the middle of the night. Some visitors have come and you have nothing to offer them. The stores are closed. You throw on a robe, and run over to your neighbor in your pajamas and slippers. You bang on the door. Lights come on, dogs start barking. There is a commotion behind the door, but no one opens it.

• What other things do you see, hear or feel?
• What are you thinking, and what emotions are you experiencing?
• Read the passage again slowly. Repeat and ponder whatever words or phrases from your reading strike you.

Let’s take a moment to look at one of the primary images- the bread. Bread is food and life for us all. When Israel was in the dessert, God provided manna or bread from heaven. The city Bethlehem means “House of Bread” in Hebrew. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life". In Scripture, famine or lack of bread meant physical as well as spiritual death.

Rung 3: PRAY & CONTEMPLATE
This is where we listen for God’s voice within the text.

Verses 5-6
• What pressing issues in your life are represented by a lack of bread?
• Is there anyone in your life who has been on a long journey, and is looking to you for hospitality?

Verses 7-8
• What are the logical arguments, circumstances or past experiences that cause you to make excuses for why the door will not be answered?

Verses 9-10
• Jesus is speaking directly to you. What thoughts or feelings come to mind when you hear his words to you:
1. Ask!
2. Seek!
3. Knock!

Verses 11-13
• What are some good gifts that you would like to see manifest in your life?
• Do you Trust that God will give you what you need?
• Do you believe that He is the giver of good gifts?

Rung 4: DISCUSS

Rung 5: WITNESS IN THE WORLD

How is God inspiring you to take bold action for yourself due to a “ lack of bread”?

In what way is God challenging you to take bold action on behalf of others?