In the Gospel passage, the story Jesus narrates about the visit of a friend at midnight visit and his teachings that follow are a strong admonition to perseverance in prayer. Jesus reminds his listeners that God always responds to their prayer in ways that are best for them, though perhaps not in ways that they would expect or like. God wants the best for us. Ultimately, the best that God wishes for us is the Holy Spirit through whom we receive His blessings.

It is not wonder then that Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, admonishes the converts in the city for losing sight of their experience of the Holy Spirit and for turning towards pagan practices for blessings. The only way Paul understands this situation is that someone has cast a spell on them. Paul reminds the believers of their commitment to the Gospel which was preached to them, and the blessings they have received from God through the Holy Spirit.

It is easy for us to turn away from what God desires for us due to a lack of faith or a lack of perseverance in prayer. We may turn towards other gods or seek ways to obtain the blessings we think we deserve. We are reminded today that ultimately there is no greater gift that God wants to give us other than the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit whom we must desire above all else regardless the circumstances of our lives.